The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has created opportunities for cricketers from Associate Member nations to play alongside players from established international teams. Under the playing XI rule, a franchise can field a fifth overseas player if that player represents an Associate nation. Since the tournament began in 2023, only a few players from these countries have secured contracts. Tara Norris was the first, followed by Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce in 2024 and Sarah Bryce in 2025. In 2027, Kathryn returned with UP Warriorz and Kirstie Gordon joined Delhi Capitals, while Norris moved to Mumbai Indians.
Tara Norris
Delhi Capitals (2023), Mumbai Indians (2027)
Tara Norris, a left arm fast bowler from the United States, made history when Delhi Capitals signed her for ₹10 lakh at the first WPL auction in 2023. She became the first player from an Associate nation to receive a contract in the league. Norris made an immediate impact by taking the first five wicket haul in WPL history. She finished the season with seven wickets in five matches. Ahead of the 2027 season, she moved from UP Warriorz to Mumbai Indians through a trade, continuing her WPL journey with another franchise.
Kathryn Bryce
Gujarat Giants (2024), UP Warriorz (2027)
Scotland all rounder Kathryn Bryce became the next Associate Nation player signed in the WPL when Gujarat Giants picked her for ₹10 lakh before the 2024 season. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball gave the franchise an all round option. Bryce played eight matches, scoring 83 runs and taking four wickets. After missing the seasons that followed, she returned at the 2027 auction. UP Warriorz signed her for ₹10 lakh, bringing her back into the competition.
Sarah Bryce
Delhi Capitals (2025)
Sarah Bryce, a Scottish wicketkeeper batter and Kathryn Bryce’s sister, joined Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2025 season. The franchise bought her for ₹10 lakh at the auction held in December 2024. She was the only overseas player acquired by Delhi Capitals at that auction. The sisters earned WPL contracts in different seasons, with Kathryn representing Gujarat Giants and Sarah joining Delhi Capitals. Sarah registered for the 2027 auction but was not among the players sold, leaving her WPL signing record with Delhi Capitals for the 2025 season.
Kirstie Gordon
Delhi Capitals (2027)
Scotland left arm spinner Kirstie Gordon joined the WPL in 2027 after Delhi Capitals signed her for ₹10 lakh. Gordon had previously represented England before returning to play for Scotland. Her signing gave Delhi another spin bowling option. Gordon was one of two Associate Nation players signed during the 2027 auction, alongside Kathryn Bryce, who joined UP Warriorz. Norris also held a contract for the season after moving to Mumbai Indians, meaning three Associate Nation players were part of the competition in 2027.
Associate Players at the 2027 Auction
Six Associate Member players registered for the 2027 auction: Sarah Bryce, Kathryn Bryce, Darcey Carter, Kirstie Gordon, Babette de Leede and Esha Oza. Kathryn Bryce and Kirstie Gordon were signed, while Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Babette de Leede and Esha Oza remained unsold. Ireland’s Orla Prendergast also joined Gujarat Giants in 2027 for ₹30 lakh. However, Ireland is an ICC Full Member, so Prendergast does not count as an Associate Nation player under this classification.
Associate Nation Players Signed in WPL History
The list records each player’s country, seasons, franchises and stated signing price, helping readers compare the contracts across the different WPL seasons covered here clearly.
The WPL’s Associate Nation signings began with Norris in 2023, followed by Kathryn Bryce in 2024 and Sarah Bryce in 2025. In 2027, Kathryn returned with UP Warriorz and Gordon joined Delhi Capitals, while Norris continued with Mumbai Indians. Across the league’s history, four Associate Nation players had secured contracts: Norris, Kathryn Bryce, Sarah Bryce and Gordon. Three of them, Norris, Kathryn Bryce and Gordon, held franchise contracts for the 2027 season. Together, their signings show the presence of Associate Nation players across the WPL’s first seasons.
On a mission to promote women’s cricket around the world! Follow our story: