Rana, Poonam, and Tahuhu Released Ahead of WPL 2025 Auction
The Womenโs Premier League (WPL) is gearing up for its third season in early 2025, with teams making significant roster changes ahead of the December auction. Among the headline departures are seasoned players Sneh Rana, Poonam Yadav, and Lea Tahuhu, released by their respective franchises as they recalibrate strategies and lineups. The release of these players signals a potential shift in team dynamics as franchises look to bring in fresh talent and strengthen their squads.
Sneh Ranaโs Journey with Gujarat Giants
Sneh Rana, once a key player for Gujarat Giants (GG), has been released after two challenging seasons. Rana initially captained GG in the WPL 2023 season when Beth Mooney, the team captain, faced an early injury. Despite her all-rounder skills and leadership, Rana struggled to make a significant impact, with only six wickets and 47 runs in 12 matches across two seasons. This underperformance may have contributed to the teamโs decision to release her as they focus on rebuilding.
Poonam Yadavโs Release from Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals (DC), the runner-up in both seasons of the WPL, decided to part ways with veteran leg-spinner Poonam Yadav. Known for her unorthodox leg-spin, Yadav was once a fixture in Indiaโs national team. However, she did not play a single match in the 2024 WPL season and has been out of international cricket since 2022. This release reflects DCโs likely shift toward younger players with a higher potential for consistent performance.
Lea Tahuhuโs Limited Role with Gujarat Giants
New Zealandโs experienced fast bowler Lea Tahuhu also finds herself on the list of released players. Tahuhuโs role in GG was minimal in the 2024 season, where she played only two games, claiming a single wicket. GGโs decision to release her aligns with their broader roster shake-up as they seek to elevate local talent and possibly allocate resources toward emerging players.
Other Key Releases Across Franchises
In addition to Rana, Yadav, and Tahuhu, other notable releases include:
- Kathryn Bryce (Scotland captain): She participated in eight games in 2024, following her release from the Gujarat Giants.
- Laura Harris The Australian top-order batter was let go by the Delhi Capitals after playing only a few matches.
- Issy Wong (England fast bowler): Released by Mumbai Indians after a disappointing season.
These moves highlight each franchiseโs strategy to build a more robust core team while letting go of players with limited impact. Mumbai Indians and UP Warriors have retained some of their top-performing players, indicating their intention to maintain a strong foundation for the upcoming season.
Also read: Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore Vie for Maiden Title
Franchise Strategies Going into the 2025 Auction
With the WPL 2025 auction scheduled for December, franchises are positioning themselves to acquire talent that can fill existing gaps. The teamsโ release strategies indicate a desire for adaptability, fresh talent, and perhaps a younger roster. Retained players such as Harmanpreet Kaur and Amelia Kerr will be central to Mumbai Indiansโ strategy, while Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants will likely focus on filling the voids left by players like Poonam and Rana.
| Franchise | Player Released | Other Releases |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Giants | Sneh Rana, Lea Tahuhu | Kathryn Bryce, Mannat Kashyap |
| Delhi Capitals | Poonam Yadav | Laura Harris, Aparna Mondal, Ashwani Kumari |
| Mumbai Indians | Issy Wong | Fatima Jaffer, Humaira Kazi |
| UP Warriorz | Parshavi Chopra | Laxmi Yadav, Lauren Bell |
ย
Learn more about Harmanpreet Kaur, The Trailblazing Star of Womenโs Cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why were Sneh Rana, Poonam Yadav, and Lea Tahuhu released ahead of the WPL 2025 auction?
Each of these players had limited impact during their respective seasons, leading franchises to explore alternative options to strengthen their squads.
Q2: When is the WPL 2025 auction scheduled?
A: The auction is anticipated to take place in early December 2024.
Q3: Which franchises released notable players?
Gujarat Giants, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and UP Warriors have all made notable releases.
My name is Mohd Ali, and Iโm a digital marketer, content writer, creator, video editor, and blogger. Every day, I share information related to cricket and football on my blog. I reside in the city of Hyderabad, and I completed my graduation from EIILM University, Sikkim. I am the founder of newsblog4u.com.
