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The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 players’ auction is poised to be a riveting event, set to unfold in Mumbai on December 9. With 165 players, including 104 Indian cricketers and 61 overseas stars, registered for the auction, former India men’s cricketer Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the proceedings. Chopra, a cricket pundit, has highlighted two players as potential catalysts for intense bidding wars.
High anticipation surrounding WPL 2024 auction
The forthcoming players’ auction for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 has generated significant anticipation, with 165 players, comprising a mix of Indian and overseas talent, set to go under the hammer. The auction, scheduled for December 9 in Mumbai, is expected to feature intense bidding wars as franchises vie for top-notch players to bolster their squads.
Aakash Chopra’s insightful picks
Cricket analyst and former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has shared his insights ahead of the WPL 2024 auction, naming two players who could spark bidding wars. Chopra singled out Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu and West Indies’ Deandra Dottin as potential game-changers, highlighting their multi-dimensional cricketing skills.
Unique aspects of Women’s cricket skills
Chopra drew attention to a unique aspect of women’s cricket, noting that many women cricketers possess multi-dimensional skills, allowing them to contribute across various facets of the game. He contrasted this with men’s cricket, where players are often more uni-dimensional in their skill sets.
“I am going with Chamari Athapaththu and Deandra Dottin. Between the two, because they are multi-dimensional players. There is a unique thing actually in women’s cricket. It is not something that we see very often with men’s cricket, which is the multi-dimensional cricketing skills. I think all women are multi-taskers, and most men are very uni-dimensional. So, these two,” explained Chopra on Jio Cinema.
Also READ: WPL 2024 Auction – Team dynamics, purse remaining for franchises, TV channels & Live Streaming details
Previous auction dynamics and players’ impact
Chopra recalled the dynamics of the last auction, where Chamari went unsold, and Dottin was secured by Gujarat Giants for INR 60 lakh. However, Dottin’s participation was marred by controversy as the Giants released her, citing medical grounds, a claim Dottin refuted on social media.
“This whole tournament is littered with some great all-rounders, and these two were missing out in action last year and they will add value. I mean Deandra Dottin can actually strike the ball, and so can Chamari Athapaththu, to be honest,” added Chopra.
Chamari’s recent recognition as the Player of the Tournament in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) adds to the anticipation surrounding her potential impact in the upcoming WPL season. Representing Sydney Thunder, Athapaththu ended up as the second-highest run-scorer with 552 runs, including 5 half-centuries.
Also READ: 10 overseas players franchises could bid for in WPL 2024 auction
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
