With the Women’s Premier League (WPL) heading into its third season in 2025, excitement is high as franchises strategize around player retention, releases, and scouting for new talent. As the WPL’s talent pool continues to expand, there are several standout performers from the past year who, despite remarkable achievements, have yet to appear in the WPL.
Here’s a look at some players who could make a splash if they join the league.
Georgia Plimmer (New Zealand)
Georgia Plimmer has consistently delivered for New Zealand, establishing herself as a reliable opener who could add stability and scoring power to any WPL lineup. With 396 runs across 37 T20Is, her potential shines, and she has been especially impressive in 2024. Over 16 matches, she scored 282 runs, with a top score of 53. In New Zealand’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign, she contributed 150 runs across six games, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. Plimmer’s potential pairing with Alyssa Healy at the UP Warriorz could be electrifying.
Rosemary Mair (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s Rosemary Mair has established herself as a vital asset in any bowling attack. In her 31 T20Is, Mair has taken 28 wickets, demonstrating her knack for picking up crucial scalps. She was formidable in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, claiming nine wickets overall, and in 2024, she played 12 T20Is with 14 wickets, including a best of 4 for 19. Her combination of accuracy and adaptability could make her a valuable addition for franchises needing a reliable pacer.
Eden Carson (New Zealand)
Eden Carson’s ability to disrupt batting lineups became evident in the recent T20 World Cup, where she took nine wickets. Known for delivering game-changing spells, her 3 for 29 in the semi-final against West Indies, where she dismissed three of the top four batters, was a standout performance. Carson’s overall T20I record of 31 matches and 39 wickets includes 16 scalps in 2024 alone, marking her as a player with a fierce competitive edge.
Nonkululeko Mlaba (South Africa)
A pivotal force in South Africa’s lineup, Nonkululeko Mlaba ended the T20 World Cup as the second-highest wicket-taker with 12 wickets at an average of 11.33. From 58 T20Is she has 50 wickets overall. Mlaba’s 2024 performances—17 wickets in 16 matches with a best of 4 for 29—have solidified her reputation. Her spin could add an extra layer to any WPL team’s attack, especially for sides looking to strengthen their middle overs.
Anneke Bosch (South Africa)
Anneke Bosch is another South African star whose game could transition well into the WPL. Bosch’s match-winning knock of 74* off 48 balls in the T20 World Cup semi-final against Australia is a testament to her finishing ability. With 892 runs and 8 wickets across 47 T20Is, including 387 runs in 17 matches in 2024, she could serve as an impactful finisher or a top-order bat for teams needing flexibility in their batting lineup.
Afy Fletcher (West Indies)
The West Indies’ leg-spinner Afy Fletcher brings a wealth of experience and skill, consistently proving herself in big games. In the T20 World Cup, she took 10 wickets, the third-highest tally. Her 13 T20Is in 2024 has yielded 26 wickets with a personal best of 5 for 13. With her knack for handling high-pressure situations, Fletcher could become a strategic addition to teams in need of a seasoned spin option.
Sarah Bryce (Scotland)
Scotland’s Sarah Bryce has earned attention for her exceptional wicket-keeping and batting. With 58 T20Is and 1290 runs, Bryce has been in remarkable form, scoring 102 runs in three matches at the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League for the Sydney Sixers. For WPL franchises needing a reliable wicketkeeper-batter, Bryce’s consistency and skill could be a game-changer.
Rachel Slater (Scotland)
Young Scottish pacer Rachel Slater is on the rise, showing her potential as a future star. In her 23 T20Is, Slater has taken 18 wickets, with 13 coming from just 10 matches in 2024, including a career-best of 5 for 17. Her raw talent and early success could appeal to teams seeking a young bowler with ample potential.
Harshitha Samarawickrama (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka’s Harshitha Samarawickrama became a national hero with her unbeaten 69 off 51 in the Asia Cup 2024 final, which led Sri Lanka to their first-ever title, against India. With 69 T20Is and 1514 runs, her 2024 performance stands out—585 runs in 21 matches with a best score of 86 not out. Her skill under pressure makes her a promising addition to any WPL batting lineup.
Kavisha Dilhari (Sri Lanka)
At just 23, Kavisha Dilhari has carved out her place in international cricket with 66 T20Is, 522 runs, and 51 wickets. In 2024, she continued to shine with 303 runs and 22 wickets, her best being 4 for 13 with the ball. Dilhari’s versatility as an all-rounder gives teams depth in both batting and bowling, a vital asset for any WPL side.
With remarkable performances and the potential to adapt seamlessly to the WPL’s high-pressure environment, they are exciting prospects for franchises looking to bolster their rosters. As teams finalize their strategies for 2025, it’s worth keeping an eye on these players who, if given the chance, could become the next breakout stars of the WPL.
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