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Amelia Kerr, the only New Zealand cricketer participating in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, has reportedly made the decision to skip New Zealand’s upcoming home white-ball series against Sri Lanka to remain available for her franchise, the Mumbai Indians (MI), for the entire tournament, including the knockout matches.
If MI qualify for the WPL 2025 Final, scheduled for March 15, Kerr will also be unavailable for the first two T20 Internationals (T20Is) against Sri Lanka, which are set to take place on March 14 and 16 in Christchurch. The talented all-rounder had also missed a bilateral T20I series against England in 2024 for the same reason, making this the second consecutive year that she has chosen to prioritize WPL commitments over international fixtures.
Amelia Kerr’s impact in WPL and her role in Mumbai Indians’ title defense
Kerr, who plays as a leg-spinning all-rounder, has been an integral part of the Mumbai squad, which won the inaugural edition of the WPL in 2023. With her ability to contribute with both bat and ball, she has established herself as a match-winner in franchise cricket. Her performances in the 2024 WPL season were equally impressive, as she played a crucial role in MI’s campaign, helping them reach the playoffs yet again. Given her consistent performances and all-round capabilities, the Mumbai-based franchise is relying on her for their title defense in 2025.
Kerr’s decision to prioritize WPL over international commitments underscores the growing influence of franchise-based T20 leagues in shaping the priorities of top women’s cricketers. While international cricket remains prestigious, leagues like the WPL, The Hundred and the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) provide significant financial incentives and exposure, influencing players’ decisions to opt for lucrative franchise opportunities over bilateral series.
Also READ: Here’s why Chamari Athapaththu will leave WPL 2025 midway
New Zealand’s bilateral series and the impact of Kerr’s absence
New Zealand’s bilateral white-ball series against Sri Lanka is set to begin on March 4, 2025, and will consist of:
- Three One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Two T20 Internationals (T20Is)
All matches will be played in New Zealand, giving the White Ferns a home advantage. However, Kerr’s absence will be a major blow to their squad, especially in the T20I series. Kerr’s all-round abilities provide balance to the New Zealand team. As a leg-spinner, she is one of the leading wicket-takers for the White Ferns, and her ability to score quick runs in the middle order has been a game-changer for the side in limited-overs cricket.
With New Zealand set to face a Sri Lankan team that has shown steady improvement in recent years, Kerr’s absence will leave a significant gap in both the batting and bowling departments. The team management will now need to find a suitable replacement who can fill her role effectively. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is expected to announce their official squad for the white-ball series later this month, and all eyes will be on who gets selected to replace Kerr in the squad, particularly in the T20 format.
Kerr’s international achievements and recognition
Kerr has been a standout performer for New Zealand in recent years and is widely regarded as one of the most talented all-rounders in women’s cricket. Her ability to bowl accurate leg-spin while also contributing as a reliable middle-order batter makes her a key asset in both ODIs and T20Is.
In recognition of her outstanding performances, Kerr was honored with the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award, which is given to the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year. This award cemented her place among the top players in the world, highlighting her consistent performances at the highest level.
Despite her international success, her decision to skip national duty for the WPL suggests the changing dynamics of women’s cricket, where franchise leagues are offering players not only financial benefits but also an opportunity to play in high-intensity, competitive environments against the world’s best.
Also READ: New Zealand’s Sophie Devine withdraws from Sri Lanka series to focus on well-being
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
