Orla Prendergast once played for Ireland U17 in Football, creates History as WPL 2027 Auction lands her at Gujarat Giants

Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast created history at the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction after Gujarat Giants signed her for ₹30 lakh in Kochi on October 28.

The 24-year-old became the first Irish cricketer to be picked in WPL history, opening a new chapter for Ireland in one of women's cricket's biggest franchise competitions.

Who Is Orla Prendergast?

Born on June 1, 2002, in Dublin, Ireland, Prendergast is a right-handed batter and right-arm medium-fast bowler. Wearing jersey number 84 for Ireland, she has established herself as a versatile all-rounder capable of contributing with the bat, ball and in the field.

Prendergast made her T20I debut against the Netherlands in August 2019, shortly after turning 17. She made her ODI debut in October 2021 and gradually became an important member of Ireland's national side.

According to Cricket Ireland's published career statistics, she has scored 1,332 runs and taken 30 wickets in 50 women's ODIs. In 88 T20 Internationals, she has accumulated 2,054 runs and claimed 69 wickets. Her highest scores are 122 not out in ODIs and 80 in T20Is.

Her ability to contribute in both departments makes her a valuable option in franchise cricket, offering Gujarat Giants flexibility in their batting order and seam-bowling attack.

Orla Prendergast pursued Football

Orla Prendergast was not just a cricketer, as she once pursued football alongside cricket. She represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-17 level and played club football for Cabinteely FC before choosing cricket as her professional path.

Her international performances earned further recognition in 2025, when she was named ICC Women's Player of the Month for August. She impressed against Pakistan and during the Women's T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, contributing with both bat and ball.

Now, her ₹30 lakh Gujarat Giants contract gives her the opportunity to showcase Irish cricketing talent on the WPL stage and become a trailblazer for future players from her country.