Simran Shaikh Becomes WPL’s Biggest Attraction with Record-Breaking Bid

Mumbai all-rounder Simran Shaikh, renowned for her explosive batting and ability to hit sixes at will, has taken center stage in the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) mini-auction held in Bengaluru on Sunday. The 22-year-old cricketer secured the highest bid of the day, as Gujarat Giants (GG), owned by Adani Sportsline, acquired her for an eye-watering ₹1.9 crore after an intense bidding war with Delhi Capitals (DC), co-owned by GMR Group and JSW Group.

Expressing his excitement, Pranav Adani, Managing Director of Agro, Oil, and Gas, and Director at Adani Enterprises, posted on social media platform X about welcoming Simran to the Gujarat Giants. He highlighted her inspiring journey from the narrow lanes of Dharavi to the pinnacle of women’s cricket as a testament to her determination and dreams.

Interestingly, Shaikh entered the auction with a modest base price of ₹10 lakh. Her remarkable rise from being an underdog to the highest-paid player has become one of the most talked-about stories in women’s cricket.

A Journey of Perseverance

Simran Shaikh is no stranger to the WPL. She played nine matches for the UP Warriorz during the inaugural WPL 2022-23 season after being signed for her base price of ₹10 lakh. However, she went unsold in last year’s auction, which made her extraordinary success this year even more surprising.

Statistically, Shaikh has showcased her potential in T20s, boasting a strike rate of 126.95. She recently scored 176 runs, with a highest score of 47, in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy. Despite these decent numbers, the auction frenzy around her took many by surprise. Reflecting on her record-breaking paycheck, Shaikh admitted she was “shocked” by the outcome.

Big Moves at the Auction

Gujarat Giants weren’t done making headlines after Shaikh’s acquisition. They also secured another hard-hitting all-rounder, Deandra Dottin, from the West Indies for a hefty price. Dottin, a 33-year-old veteran with 132 WT20I appearances, was the most expensive overseas player in this year’s auction. She was one of three players with a base price of ₹50 lakh. Currently in India for a white-ball series, Dottin remains one of the biggest names in women’s cricket globally.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians, owned by Indiawin Sports, made waves by signing Tamil Nadu’s 16-year-old prodigy, G Kamalini, for ₹1.60 crore. Kamalini made her mark in last year’s Under-19 T20 Trophy by scoring 311 runs and leading Tamil Nadu to victory. Her potential has now earned her the highest paycheck of her young career.

Auction Overview

The 2025 WPL mini-auction saw the participation of 124 players, with all 19 available slots filled, including five for overseas players. The cumulative fund at the start of the auction stood at ₹16.7 crore, of which ₹9.05 crore was spent across teams.

Despite the excitement around several young talents, some seasoned players did not find buyers. Notably, veteran Indian player Sneh Rana went unsold, reflecting the competitive and evolving nature of the league.

Transforming Women’s Cricket

The 2025 WPL auction underscored the league’s growing stature and its role in promoting women’s cricket globally. The record-breaking bid for Simran Shaikh and the inclusion of young talents like Kamalini highlight the league’s ability to transform players’ careers and inspire future generations.

As the WPL continues to grow, the focus will now shift to the performances on the field, with fans eagerly awaiting how these headline-making players will deliver in the upcoming season.