Heather Knight to Poonam Yadav: Big names who were not retained ahead of the WPL 2025 Auction

Add as a preferred source on Google

The Women's Premier League (WPL) franchises have finally disclosed their retention lists for the 2025 season. With a maximum squad size of 18 players, including up to six overseas stars, each team has carefully curated its roster ahead of the upcoming player auction.

The tournament's five participating teams are Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz. All five teams are looking to build balanced squads that can challenge for the title.

Meanwhile, the auction purse this season has increased to INR 15 crore. The auction dates are yet to be confirmed but expectations have increased as teams finalize their strategies. Let's look at some notable releases from the franchises before WPL 2025 Auction.

1. Gujarat Giants release Sneh Rana and Lea Tahuhu: The Gujarat-based franchise have made some significant changes to their lineup as they parted ways with Indian all-rounder Sneh Rana and New Zealand pacer Lea Tahuhu.

Sneh Rana, who is known for her all-round contributions, can tonk the ball and scalp wickets with her off-spin. She scored 47 runs and took 6 wickets in 12 matches and will be a sought-after player in the auction. On the other hand, Lea Tahuhu's release also creates room for the Giants to explore new international options.

The 34-year-old who has 93 wickets in 96 T20Is was roped in by Gujarat Giants as a replacement for Lauren Cheatle ahead of WPL 2024. However, she made two appearances, wherein she took 1 wicket.

2. Delhi Capitals release Poonam Yadav: Delhi Capitals seem to be focusing on refreshing their bowling attack, as they have chosen to release veteran spinner Poonam Yadav, who is considered a mainstay in India's bowling attack for years.

The right-arm leg-spinner has accounted for 98 dismissals in 72 WT20Is. Her expertise and experience will make her a valuable asset in the auction pool, particularly for teams seeking depth in their spin department.

3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru release Heather Knight: RCB's decision to release England captain Heather Knight was one of the biggest surprises on the list. The England international will be a hot pick at the auction and could attract attention from multiple franchises.

Having played 123 games, she scored 2094 runs, laced with 1 century and 7 fifties, whereas she has taken 21 wickets. Having played 8 games, she took four wickets in the WPL.

4. Mumbai Indians let go of Issy Wong: Mumbai Indians have decided to part ways with England's fast bowler Issy Wong. The 22-year-old right-arm fast-medium bowler who has previously represented Southern Vipers in the Women's Cricket Super League and Sydney Thunder in the Women's Big Bash League has taken 9 wickets in 12 WT20Is.

She took four wickets in the only game she played for Mumbai Indians. Notably, she bagged a hat-trick in the game against UP Warriorz in the 2023 edition, which is the first-ever achievement in the WPL.