The WBBL 2024 draft served as a beacon for the increasing global fascination with women’s cricket, marked by a notable addition of Indian players. A total of six Indian cricketers were selected within the initial three rounds, underscoring the profound impact and value of Indian talent within this prestigious league.
In a dazzling beginning to the draft, England’s formidable batter, Danni Wyatt, emerged as the inaugural pick, with Hobart Hurricanes securing her explosive capabilities. Sophie Ecclestone, universally acknowledged as a preeminent spinner in the women’s cricketing sphere, was swiftly claimed by Sydney Sixers.
Meanwhile, Adelaide Strikers boosted their ranks with the inclusion of Laura Wolvaardt. Sydney Thunder opted for Heather Knight, while Melbourne Renegades tactically enlisted Deandra Dottin, who has recently made a remarkable return from international retirement.
Indian players in the WBBL
Smriti Mandhana, renowned as one of India’s most prolific run-scorers, was preemptively secured by Adelaide Strikers, confirming her spot in the squad well before the draft proceedings even commenced.
Deepti Sharma was chosen by Melbourne Stars as the fourth overall selection in the inaugural round. Jemimah Rodrigues was promptly secured by Brisbane Heat as the seventh pick of the first round. In the following round, Shikha Pandey, an experienced Indian pace bowler, was acquired by Brisbane Heat, adding depth to their bowling attack.
Hemalatha Dayalan, a growing talent on the international stage, was the first selection in the third round, finding her place with Perth Scorchers. Melbourne Stars further strengthened by securing Yastika Bhatia, an emerging wicketkeeper-batter from India, during the third round.
Notable picks in the WBBL 2024 draft
1st round players: Deepti Sharma – Melbourne Stars, Jemimah Rodrigues – Brisbane Heat, Danielle Wyatt – Hobart Hurricanes, Sophie Ecclestone – Sydney Sixers (Retention), Heather Knight – Sydney Thunder (Retention), Laura Wolvaardt – Adelaide Strikers (Retention), Deandra Dottin – Melbourne Renegades, Sophie Devine – Perth Scorchers (pre-signed player)
2nd round players: Chloe Tryon – Hobart Hurricanes, Amelia Kerr – Sydney Sixers, Hayley Matthews – Melbourne Renegades, Marizanne Kapp – Melbourne Stars, Shabnim Ismail – Sydney Thunder, Passed – Adelaide Strikers, Shikha Pandey – Brisbane Heat, Amy Jones – Perth Scorchers (Retention)
3rd round players: Hemalatha Dayalan – Perth Scorchers, Passed – Brisbane Heat, Alice Capsey – Melbourne Renegades, Chamari Athapaththu – Sydney Thunder (pre-signed player), Yastika Bhatia – Melbourne Stars, Smriti Mandhana – Adelaide Strikers (pre-signed player), Passed – Sydney Sixers, Lizelle Lee – Hobart Hurricanes (pre-signed player).
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