Due to a back issue that has kept her out of action since December 2024, 33-year-old veteran England seamer Kate Cross withdrew from the forthcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 which is dated to start on 14th February, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru playing Gujarat Giants.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer acknowledged her disappointment at missing the competition but underlined that she had to make the decision in order to properly recover and put her physical and emotional health first before the new cricket season.
Despite her best efforts to be fit for selection, she acknowledged in a touching statement that she needs time to rehab her injury fully. Cross also wished her RCB teammates the best of luck as they attempted to defend their WPL championship.
“My decision to withdraw from the WPL was a difficult one, but I need to take the time to rehab my injury fully and prioritize my mental and physical well-being ahead of a big summer, I’m gutted to be missing my time with RCB this year but wish Smriti Mandhana and the girls all the luck in defending the trophy! I’ll be supporting everyone from back home,” Cross shared in an Instagram post.
Due to a back injury, Cross has not been able to play in recent months, including the recently concluded Ashes series. Missing the multi-format Ashes series against Australia had already been a “tough pill to swallow,” she wrote on Instagram, reflecting on her unhappiness. Now, she had to make the equally tough decision to leave the WPL in order to improve her long-term fitness.
RCB promptly signed Australian all-rounder Kim Garth to replace an injured Cross. Garth is an experienced player with 59 T20Is, 56 ODIs, and 4 Test matches under her belt. She was part of the Gujarat Giants in the WPL 2023. With 49 wickets and 764 T20 International runs under her belt, she is an all-round player. Her ability to contribute with the bat and the ball gives the team a new dimension.
Cross’s expertise and ability to lead the pace attack would have been essential to RCB’s title defense, so this is a big change for them. Nonetheless, with Garth filling in, the team is still optimistic about a successful campaign.
Now that the WPL is off the table, Cross will only concentrate on her recovery and rehabilitation. Regaining her fitness in time for England’s hectic 2025 season, which includes bilateral series and international competitions, is her main objective. Fans will be anxiously awaiting Cross’s return to the pitch because she is still an essential member of England’s bowling attack.
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