League tournaments are more than just a battle for supremacy; they are breeding grounds for young talent and a platform for domestic players to rub shoulders with some of the world’s finest cricketers. The Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) is no exception. As the WCPL gears up for another thrilling season, three teams, the Barbados Royals, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, and the Trinbago Knight Riders are set to showcase some of the biggest names in women’s cricket. Each squad boasts four exceptional overseas players who bring a wealth of experience and star power to the tournament. Let’s take a closer look at these international stalwarts set to make their mark.
Barbados Royals
Chamari Athapaththu: Crowned the ICC Player of the Month for July, Chamari Athapaththu is undoubtedly one of the most crucial players for the defending champions. With a remarkable 3,326 T20I runs to her name, including a stunning century against the mighty Australian side, she is a force to be reckoned with. Her off spin bowling further enhances her value, making her the perfect all-rounder. Having plied her trade in premier leagues around the globe, her experience is invaluable to the Royals.
Georgia Redmayne: This uncapped Australian wicketkeeper-batter is riding high after a sensational run in The Hundred. Redmayne played a pivotal role in steering London Spirit to their title triumph, amassing 229 runs in 10 matches. Her form and finesse behind the stumps make her a key player for the Royals as they aim to defend their title.
Laura Harris: The power-hitter from Queensland, is well-known for her explosive batting. A vital cog in the Queensland and Brisbane Heat line-ups, Harris has been with the Heat since the inception of the WBBL. In her 89 innings for the franchise, she has hammered 1,116 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 158. Her ability to change the course of a game in just a few balls makes her a prized asset for the Royals.
Amanda-Jade Wellington: The leg-spin wizard whose right-arm leg-breaks have left batters in a spin, with 45 wickets in The Hundred, stands as one of the competition’s best bowlers across four seasons. Her brilliance isn’t limited to The Hundred, she has been phenomenal for the Adelaide Strikers in the WBBL, where she has taken 149 wickets and she has contributed with the bat also, scoring 599 runs at a strike rate of 126.37, offering the Royals much-needed balance.
Trinbago Knight Riders
Meg Lanning: The legendary former Australian skipper is set to bring her vast experience and winning mentality to the Trinbago Knight Riders. With a stellar career that includes guiding Australia to seven World Cup titles across formats, Lanning’s impact on the game is unmatched. She has amassed 3,405 T20I runs in 132 matches. As the captain of the Delhi Capitals in the WPL, she led her side to the finals twice, clinching the Orange Cap in the inaugural season with 345 runs. Lanning’s leadership and batting prowess will be crucial as the Knight Riders chase glory.
Jemimah Rodrigues: Fresh off her milestone of 100 T20I appearances during the Asia Cup final, is swiftly emerging as a standout in Indian cricket. With a tally of over 2,000 runs in T20Is, highlighted by a career-best score of 76 against Sri Lanka, Rodrigues is not just a powerful batter—she also brings a valuable off-spin option to the table. Her inclusion in the Knight Riders line-up is set to significantly strengthen their middle order.
Shikha Pandey: A veteran in the cricketing arena, Shikha Pandey’s addition to the Knight Riders squad brings a substantial amount of experience. Renowned for her precision and speed, Pandey has claimed 43 wickets across 62 T20Is, with her standout performance being 3/14 against the formidable Australian side. Equally impressive with the bat, she has accumulated 208 runs in 28 innings, frequently providing crucial late-order contributions.
Jess Jonassen: An experienced all-rounder, Jess Jonassen brings to the table both skill and leadership. With 105 T20Is under her belt, Jonassen has taken 96 wickets and scored 438 runs. Her 11 wickets for the Delhi Capitals were instrumental in their journey to becoming runners-up in the WPL. As the leader of the Brisbane Heat in the WBBL, where she has amassed 162 wickets and 2,033 runs, Jonassen’s all-round abilities and leadership qualities make her a valuable player for the Knight Riders.
Harshita Samarawickrama: The top-order Sri Lankan batter has joined the Trinbago Knight Riders as a replacement for the injured Meg Lanning. The left-handed batter is in dream form, having delivered an impressive performance in the recent Women’s Asia Cup final against India, where she scored a match-winning unbeaten 69. This was followed by two consecutive fifties (86* and 65) in the two-match T20I series against Ireland. This will be her first overseas exposure and becomes only the second Sri Lankan batter, after Chamari Athapaththu, to be part of an overseas league. Overall, she has scored 1,463 runs in 61 T20I innings, including eight fifties so far.
Guyana Amazon Warriors
Shabnim Ismail: The fiery pace bowler from South Africa, is all set to dazzle in the WCPL. With 123 T20I wickets at an exceptional economy of 5.77 and an average of just 18.62, Ismail is a game-changer. Her best performance of 5/12 came against Pakistan in January 2021. With experience across various global leagues, including a standout performance for Welsh Fire in The Hundred final, where she claimed 3/24, Ismail’s ability to deliver under pressure will be pivotal for the Amazon Warriors.
Chloe Tryon: The dynamic middle-order batter and a reliable left-arm orthodox spinner, with 98 T20Is under her belt, she has scored 1,136 runs and taken 35 wickets. Tryon’s experience spans multiple leagues, including stints with the Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Thunder, Sydney Sixers, Mumbai Indians, Southern Brave, and Barbados Royals. Her explosive batting and economical bowling make her an all-round threat.
Erin Burns: Erin Burns brings a wealth of experience to the Amazon Warriors, having played 162 T20s, scoring 2,429 runs and picking up 80 wickets. As part of the Barbados Royals squad that clinched the title last year, Burns knows what it takes to win. Her contributions to the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL since the 2017/18 season have been invaluable, and she’ll be looking to replicate that success in the WCPL.
Lauren Winfield-Hill: The experienced English wicketkeeper-batter, is set to play a crucial role for the Amazon Warriors. With 596 T20I runs for England, including a best of 74, she brings solid batting depth to the team. Her recent match-winning 61 off 40 balls for Oval Invincibles in The Hundred demonstrates her ability to perform under pressure, making her a key player in the Amazon Warriors’ campaign.
With the WCPL now in its third edition, the tournament’s prominence is steadily increasing, firmly establishing it as a marquee event in women’s cricket. The much-anticipated grand finale will take place on August 29, 2024, at the legendary Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. The competition kicks off on August 21, 2024, featuring a highly anticipated opening match where the reigning champions, Barbados Royals, will face off against the Guyana Amazon Warriors. Boasting a lineup filled with international stars, WCPL 2024 is poised to deliver an unforgettable cricketing showcase.