Shabnim Ismail was one of the most sought-after players in India’s Women’s Premier League auction, ahead of the second edition in 2024, but a three-way battle, she was snapped up by Mumbai Indians. Photo: Supplied

The most successful bowler in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup history, Shabnim Ismail says she was stressed and excited as she witnessed an intense three-way battle for her services in the 2024 Women’s Premier League eventually landing 2023 champions, Mumbai Indians, for Rs. 1.20 crore (R2,727,340.82).

“I was very stressed. First of all I was very excited when they started bidding for me, obviously Gujarat, RCB and Mumbai. But in saying that I’m very grateful to be getting the second opportunity to play in the WPL. I think it’s one of the best competitions all around the world. I’m very happy to be playing for the champs this year and I’m super excited to perform to the best I can.”

Former South African Opening Fast Bowler, Shabnim Ismail

The auction for the second edition of the TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) was held in Mumbai. The WPL 2024 tournament is expected to start in February or March of 2024. 

Ismail has had a sensational 2023, the veteran South African fast bowler ushered in the year with a strong performance in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. She was destructive against Australia in the final and became the most successful bowler in the history of the tournament.

The 2021 Momentum gsport Awards Athlete of the Year took two wickets in the World Cup final match on the 26th of February in Cape Town and gave only 26 runs in her4 overs and took two wickets.  

A total of 104 Indian players and 61 overseas players went under the hammer during the auction for the five franchises Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. 

South African among them, Marizzane Kapp was retained by the Delhi Capitals while Chloe Tryon stays with the Mumbai Indians, and Laura Wolvaardt with the Gujarat Giants. 

The legendary fast bowler Ismail represented the Hobart Hurricanes during the 2023 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) picking up 13 wickets in 14 matches with an economy rate of 6.22.

Ismail also featured in the second edition of The Hundred Women’s competition, where she impressed for Welsh Fire and was also crowned the SA Women’s Player of the Year at the CSA Awards. 

The first edition of WPL 2023 was won by Mumbai Indians, after they defeated Delhi Capitals by 7 wickets in the final match. 

Former India pacer, mentor and bowling coach for the team, Jhulan Goswami says young bowlers can learn a lot from the first South African woman to take 100 WT20I wickets.

“Shabnim is the fastest bowler currently in women’s cricket. She has vast amounts of experience, we wanted an out-and-out pacer. She is also somebody who can mentor our young crop of fast bowlers like Jintimani Kalita and Pooja Vastrakar, who can learn a lot from her.”

Here’s a Look at the Top 5 Most Expensive Players in the 2024 WPL Mini-Auction

Australia: Annabel Sutherland – Rs 2 CR to Delhi Capitals
India: Kashvee Gautam – Rs 2 CR to Gujarat Giants
India: Vrinda Dinesh – Rs 1.3 CR to UP Warriorz
South Africa: Shabnim Ismail – Rs. 1.2 CR to Mumbai Indians
Australia: Phoebe Litchfield – Rs 1 CR to Gujarat Giants


Photo Caption: Shabnim Ismail was one of the most sought-after players in India’s Women’s Premier League auction, ahead of the second edition in 2024, but a three-way battle, she was snapped up by Mumbai Indians. Photo: Supplied

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