As excitement builds for the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL), each team has officially announced its retained players, setting the stage for the upcoming mini-auction.
On Thursday, November 7, Mumbai Indians revealed their roster updates, including some surprising releases. Among them, England’s Issy Wong stands out as a notable name. Wong, a dynamic pace bowler who made history by claiming the tournament’s first-ever hat-trick, will no longer don the blue-and-gold.
𝐌𝐈’𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬! 🔥
The 2023 champions are back stronger! 🏆
What’s your take on MI’s retentions for 2025? 🤔#CricketTwitter #WPL2025 pic.twitter.com/1btKoxv2PS
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) November 7, 2024
For the 2025 season, teams have a maximum roster limit of 18 players, with up to six international players allowed. The auction purse has been increased to INR 15 crore this season, reflecting a steady rise from the initial INR 12 crore and last year’s INR 13.5 crore. This growth is aimed at providing teams with the financial flexibility to build competitive lineups in the league’s third edition.
Mumbai Indians enter the WPL 2025 auction with INR 2.65 crore remaining, leaving them room to recruit four additional players, including at least one overseas talent, to complete their lineup.
The Mumbai Indians have chosen to retain 15 players, keeping a solid core intact, including experienced internationals like Amelia Kerr, Chloe Tryon, Hayley Matthews, and Nat Sciver-Brunt. Among the retained Indian players are Harmanpreet Kaur, Yastika Bhatia, and Pooja Vastrakar, alongside emerging local talents like Amanjot Kaur, Jintimani Kalita, and Amandeep Kaur.
Mumbai Indians’ retentions and releases:
Retained Players:
Amanjot Kaur, Amelia Kerr (New Zealand), Chloe Tryon (South Africa), Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Jintimani Kalita, Nat Sciver-Brunt (England), Pooja Vastrakar, Saika Ishaque, Yastika Bhatia, Shabnim Ismail (South Africa), S Sajana, Amandeep Kaur, Keerthana Balakrishnan
Released Players:
Issy Wong –
The fast bowler, who captured 18 wickets across 10 matches in 2023, had a quieter 2024 season, playing only two games and finishing with three wickets at an economy of 8.33. While her performance in the debut season was remarkable, the limited opportunities in 2024 and her poor recent patch may have influenced the management’s decision.
Fatima Jaffer and Priyanka Bala –
Both right-handed batters, Fatima Jaffer and Priyanka Bala had limited impact in previous seasons. Bala, who only appeared once for MI, scored an unbeaten 19, but with a strong roster of right-handed batters, the team felt it was time to move forward without her.
Humaira Kazi –
Humaira, who has been a part of Mumbai’s journey, played in 17 matches but batted only five times, scoring just 18 runs at an average of 4.50. While her skill is unquestionable, the lack of scoring opportunities perhaps made it difficult for her to secure her place in the squad.
With a purse of INR 2.65 crore, Mumbai Indians will target key additions to enhance their lineup at the WPL 2025 auction. Their priority may be an overseas pacer to replace Wong and other role-specific players who can contribute to batting and bowling. The mini-auction offers a final opportunity for teams to fine-tune their rosters, ensuring a balanced squad for the tournament’s third edition.
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