Women’s cricketers have never participated in player auctions, and Devine believes that the WPL will significantly improve their game.
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine believes the Women’s Premier League, which is expected to begin in March 2023 following the conclusion of the Women’s T20 World Cup, will be a great opportunity for the players and has expressed her excitement about it.
Devine also stated that the WPL auction will be a one-of-a-kind experience for the women’s cricketers, something they have never had before. While there have been other franchise-based tournaments for female cricketers, such as the Women’s Big Bash League and The Hundred, none have ever had a player auction.
“It’s the elephant in the room. It’s a truly one-of-a-kind experience. It’s massive. You mentioned glass ceilings, and I believe the WPL will be the next stage. I’m very excited about it. This is something we have never experienced as female cricketers. It will be awkward on every scale. That is the word we have discussed “New Zealand captain said at the captains’ press conference ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Devine agrees that having a monetary value attached to a name is not ideal, but that is what happens at the auction and what the players have signed up for.
“Some people will be picked up, while others will not. And you will be assigned a monetary value for what you are worth, which, to be honest, is not the nicest [thing]. But it’s also a job, and it’s what we’ve applied for “she added.
The New Zealand all-rounder also stated that the Women’s Premier League will be a huge step forward in women’s cricket, but that it will be a distraction for the players competing in the World Cup.
