In a surprising move leading up to the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season, some of the tournament’s stars have been released by their respective franchises. With the auction anticipated for early December and an increased purse of INR 15 crore, franchises are shaking up their squads, creating fresh opportunities for seasoned pros and emerging talents alike. Here’s a look at some of the high-profile players who could make a major impact in the next season.
Issy Wong (Mumbai Indians)
After a sensational 2023 season, where she captured 15 wickets across 10 matches, Issy Wong’s star appeared to dim slightly in 2024. Limited opportunities saw her play only two games, where she managed three wickets at an economy of 8.33. Her spectacular 2023 hat-trick against UP Warriorz made her a standout, and despite her quiet 2024, her pace and potential could make her a hot prospect in the auction.
Heather Knight (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Heather Knight, a powerful presence with leadership credentials, had a productive 2023 season, scoring 135 runs and taking four wickets in eight matches. Stepping back in 2024 to focus on international duties, RCB made the difficult call to release her. However, her experience — having scored 2094 runs and taken 21 wickets in 123 T20Is for England — means that any franchise looking for a seasoned leadership experience will have her high on their wishlist.
Nadine de Klerk (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Known for her all-round abilities, Nadine de Klerk’s stint with RCB was overshadowed by big names like Ellyse Perry and Sophie Devine. Playing just one match in 2024, de Klerk scored a single run and took two wickets, despite her strong track record of 534 runs and 46 wickets in 62 T20Is for South Africa. Her versatility could be highly sought-after by teams looking to strengthen their all-round options.
Sneh Rana (Gujarat Giants)
She captained the Giants following Beth Mooney’s injury in 2023. Rana’s struggle with form over two seasons has culminated in her release. With only six wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 9.02 and 47 runs at an average of 6.71, her WPL record has been very ordinary. Her last white-ball game for India came in late 2023, and her last T20I was in early 2023. Nevertheless, her experience and leadership qualities could still attract interest.
Lea Tahuhu (Gujarat Giants)
The 34-year-old veteran fast bowler, a pivotal figure in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup-winning squad, may have only featured in two matches for the Giants, taking a single wicket, but her extensive experience speaks volumes. Across her 96 T20I appearances, Tahuhu has claimed 93 wickets, with a career-best 4 for 6 against Bangladesh. Known for her fiery pace and relentless accuracy, Tahuhu’s release opens a golden opportunity for other franchises seeking a seasoned, game-changing bowler.
Laura Harris (Delhi Capitals)
A power hitter with a proven track record in Australia’s WBBL, Laura Harris faced limited chances in the WPL, playing just a single match across two seasons. However, her recent explosive innings — an unbeaten 102 off 46 balls at the T20 Spring Challenge — might rekindle franchise interest in her. Known for her aggressive strike rate of 158.67 in the WBBL, Harris is likely to appeal to teams searching for a middle-order powerhouse.
Poonam Yadav (Delhi Capitals)
Delhi Capitals have released one of India’s finest leg spinners, Poonam Yadav, who once held a permanent spot in the national squad. Despite being the tournament’s losing finalists twice, DC chose to let her go after she did not play a single game last season. Yadav’s stellar record of 98 wickets in 72 T20Is speaks for itself, and although she hasn’t played for India since March 2022, her expertise in spin could find her a new home.
Parshavi Chopra (UP Warriorz)
A rising star from India’s U19 World Cup-winning squad, Parshavi Chopra, who was the second-highest wicket-taker in the U19 tournament with 11 wickets, was a surprising release by UP Warriorz. She played four matches in the WPL, taking three wickets, and has shown immense potential for development. At only 20, her prospects remain bright, and any team looking to invest in young talent might consider her an ideal candidate.
With the purse increased from INR 13.5 crore to INR 15 crore, franchises have the flexibility to make competitive bids on high-caliber players and young stars alike. The release of these big names sets the stage for a thrilling auction, where teams will seek out fresh talent and experienced players to bolster their squads. This new shake-up could pave the way for a season of surprises as teams gear up for the 2025 WPL season.
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