WPL 2025 auction: Simran Shaikh goes to Gujarat for 1.9 crores, becomes most expensive player

The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction on Sunday, December 15, in Bengaluru saw fierce bidding wars and some surprising outcomes. Five teams competed to secure top talent, spending a total of ₹9.05 crore on 19 players. Gujarat Giants made the biggest splash by acquiring Simran Shaikh for ₹1.90 crore, making her the most expensive player of the season.

Simran Shaikh, previously with the UP Warriorz, was the standout name in the auction. Gujarat Giants also secured Deandra Dottin for ₹1.70 crore, while 16-year-old sensation G Kamalini went to the Mumbai Indians for ₹1.60 crore. Kamalini recently made headlines with her match-winning performance against Pakistan in the Women’s U19 Asia Cup.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru made significant additions, including Uttarakhand leg-spinner Prema Rawat, who fetched ₹1.20 crore. The team also added Joshitha VJ, Jagravi Pawar, and Raghvi Bist to their roster. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals bolstered their squad with Scotland wicketkeeper Sarah Bryce, hard-hitter Nandini Kashyap, and U19 captain Niki Prasad.

In a notable turn, Sneh Rana, who served as the Gujarat Giants’ stand-in captain, went unsold. This outcome surprised many, as Rana has been a consistent performer in domestic and international cricket. Australian leg-spinner Alana King, another high-profile player, joined the UP Warriorz for ₹30 lakhs.

The auction showcased a mix of established stars and rising talents. Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, and Delhi Capitals focused on building balanced squads, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru and UP Warriorz aimed to strengthen key areas. This year’s auction highlighted the increasing depth of talent in women’s cricket.

With the squads finalized, the WPL 2025 season promises intense competition and high-stakes action. Fans eagerly await how these new acquisitions will shape the fortunes of their teams in the upcoming season.