The long-awaited inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is around the corner. The T20 extravaganza is likely to take place between March 4 and March 26. Before the kick-start of the high-profile tournament, the five franchises are set to assemble for the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/wpl-auction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WPL 2023 auction</a>. The marquee event is reported to take place either on February 11 or February 13.

The player auction will witness T20 stars from around the world go under the hammer and teams are expected to leave no stone unturned to add them to their repertoire. Among the top-drawer players, there are certain gun batters who could garner a lot of interest at the auction table and might even trigger a bidding war between the franchises.

Here are five batters who can trigger a bidding war at the auction

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1673333609449_Shafali-Verma.jpeg" alt="Shafali Verma" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Shafali Verma. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/shafali-verma-breaks-down-in-tears-of-joy-during-post-match-presentation-after-leading-india-to-womens-u19-wc-glory/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shafali Verma</a> has taken the international arena by storm with her breathtaking performances. She has taken the attack to the opposition right from the get-go and provided the Women in Blue with brisk starts. She has featured in 51 T20Is and scored 1231 runs at a strike rate of 134.53.&nbsp;

Shafali displayed her batting prowess in the T20I series against Australia in December 2022. She hammered the opposition's bowlers all across the ground and scored 140 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 134.51. She was in pristine touch in the recently concluded Under-19 Women's World Cup 2023 as well and smashed 172 runs in seven games at a stunning strike rate of 193.25.

In a rapidly evolving T20 format, playing an aggressive brand of cricket has become the need of the hour and Shafali is someone who embodies the approach. Moreover, she can be a good captaincy option, having done a superb job of leading India's Under-19 team to glory at the Under-19 World Cup. Therefore, many WPL franchises might be interested in signing the opening batter at the upcoming player auction.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/2017/04/Laura-Wolvaardt.jpg" alt="Laura Wolvaardt" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/laura-wolvaardt-wins-sport-personality-of-the-year-at-sport-industry-award/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Laura Wolvaardt</a> has been a run-bank for South Africa across formats. She has featured in 80 ODIs and scored 3193 runs at an average of 45.61. Coming to the shortest format, the 23-year-old has scored 849 runs in 47 matches at a strike rate of 109.83.

Wolvaardt has shepherded the innings and allowed stroke makers to play with freedom. Also, she has displayed the aggressive aspect of her game when needed to put bowling attacks under the pump. The opening batter was quite phenomenal in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2022-23, smashing 403 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 106.05. Her batting exploits were instrumental in Adelaide Strikers clinching the title.

Wolvaardt provides solidity at the top of the order and is a valuable addition to any side. Given the elegant batter was exceptional in the WBBL, many franchises might raise their paddles to acquire her services at the forthcoming WPL 2023 auction.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/Smriti-Mandhana-t20i.jpg" alt="Smriti Mandhana" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Smriti Mandhana. (Photo Source: MARTY MELVILLE/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/one-of-the-most-entertaining-games-weve-been-part-of-smriti-mandhana-following-win-against-australia-in-super-over-thriller/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smriti Mandhana</a> has been a proven performer in the international arena. The 26-year-old has featured in 77 ODIs and aggregated 3073 runs at an average of 43.28. Coming to the shortest format, she has scored 2651 runs in 112 games at a strike rate of 123.13.

The opening batter has all the shots in the book and destroyed bowling line-ups with her flamboyant stroke play. Mandhana lighted the Commonwealth Games 2022 with her spectacular performance, hammering 159 runs in five games a tremendous strike rate of 151.42.&nbsp;

Besides her batting prowess, the southpaw is a brilliant reader of the game.&nbsp; When India’s designated captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been unavailable, Mandhana has donned the captain’s hat and has led the Women in Blue superbly. Given what the southpaw brings to the table, she might be on the wishlist of most of the franchises. Thus, a bidding war to sign Smriti appears on the cards.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/2017/11/Beth-Mooney.jpg" alt="Beth Mooney" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Beth Mooney (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-cricket/twitter-reactions-beth-mooney-stars-as-dominant-australia-swat-aside-india-in-series-opener/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Mooney</a> has taken the international arena by storm from the time she made her Australia debut. She has featured in 57 ODIs and notched up 1941 runs at an excellent average of 52.45. In the shortest format, the ace batter has plundered 2144 runs in 77 T20Is at a strike rate of 125.30.

Mooney has been a marauder with the bat and has demolished bowling attacks at will. She was simply magnificent at the WBBL 2022-23 and hammered 434 runs in 14 matches for Perth Scorchers at a strike rate of 120.55. The opening batter was also in her elements in the ODI series against Pakistan, smashing 191 runs in three games.

Mooney is batting like a dream and can make WPL 2023 her own. Moreover, she brings a wealth of experience to any side. Therefore, when the 29-year-old goes under the hammer at the upcoming player auction, many franchises might go all guns blazing to add her to their arsenal.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1663776417857_Harmanpreet-Kaur-1.jpeg" alt="Harmanpreet Kaur" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Harmanpreet Kaur (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-press-release/india-women-skipper-harmanpreet-kaur-discusses-about-changes-and-progress-in-womens-cricket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Harmanpreet Kaur</a> is one of the finest cricketers Indian cricket has produced. She has featured in 124 ODIs and aggregated 3322 runs at an average of 38.18. In the T20Is, the swashbuckling batter has plundered 2940 runs in 146 matches for the Women in Blue.

Harmanpreet has dismantled bowling attacks for fun with her power-hitting might and has been a game-changer with the bat. On her day, the veteran batter has taken even the best of bowlers to the cleaners and stamped her authority on the cricket field.

Moreover, Harmanpreet is an astute tactician of the game and has shepherded the national side to many glorious triumphs across formats. Under her captaincy, India won the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022. The 33-year-old is a proven leader and a gun finisher in the international arena. Thus, many franchises could go hammer and tongs to sign her at the WPL 2023 auction.

The long-awaited inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is around the corner. The T20 extravaganza is likely to take place between March 4 and March 26. Before the kick-start of the high-profile tournament, the five franchises are set to assemble for the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/wpl-auction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WPL 2023 auction</a>. The marquee event is reported to take place either on February 11 or February 13.
The player auction will witness T20 stars from around the world go under the hammer and teams are expected to leave no stone unturned to add them to their repertoire. Among the top-drawer players, there are certain gun batters who could garner a lot of interest at the auction table and might even trigger a bidding war between the franchises.
<h3>Here are five batters who can trigger a bidding war at the auction</h3>
<h3>5. Shafali Verma&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1673333609449_Shafali-Verma.jpeg" alt="Shafali Verma" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Shafali Verma. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/shafali-verma-breaks-down-in-tears-of-joy-during-post-match-presentation-after-leading-india-to-womens-u19-wc-glory/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shafali Verma</a> has taken the international arena by storm with her breathtaking performances. She has taken the attack to the opposition right from the get-go and provided the Women in Blue with brisk starts. She has featured in 51 T20Is and scored 1231 runs at a strike rate of 134.53.&nbsp;
Shafali displayed her batting prowess in the T20I series against Australia in December 2022. She hammered the opposition's bowlers all across the ground and scored 140 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 134.51. She was in pristine touch in the recently concluded Under-19 Women's World Cup 2023 as well and smashed 172 runs in seven games at a stunning strike rate of 193.25.
In a rapidly evolving T20 format, playing an aggressive brand of cricket has become the need of the hour and Shafali is someone who embodies the approach. Moreover, she can be a good captaincy option, having done a superb job of leading India's Under-19 team to glory at the Under-19 World Cup. Therefore, many WPL franchises might be interested in signing the opening batter at the upcoming player auction.

<h3>4. Laura Wolvaardt</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/2017/04/Laura-Wolvaardt.jpg" alt="Laura Wolvaardt" width="640" height="399" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/laura-wolvaardt-wins-sport-personality-of-the-year-at-sport-industry-award/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Laura Wolvaardt</a> has been a run-bank for South Africa across formats. She has featured in 80 ODIs and scored 3193 runs at an average of 45.61. Coming to the shortest format, the 23-year-old has scored 849 runs in 47 matches at a strike rate of 109.83.
Wolvaardt has shepherded the innings and allowed stroke makers to play with freedom. Also, she has displayed the aggressive aspect of her game when needed to put bowling attacks under the pump. The opening batter was quite phenomenal in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2022-23, smashing 403 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 106.05. Her batting exploits were instrumental in Adelaide Strikers clinching the title.
Wolvaardt provides solidity at the top of the order and is a valuable addition to any side. Given the elegant batter was exceptional in the WBBL, many franchises might raise their paddles to acquire her services at the forthcoming WPL 2023 auction.

<h3>3. Smriti Mandhana&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/Smriti-Mandhana-t20i.jpg" alt="Smriti Mandhana" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Smriti Mandhana. (Photo Source: MARTY MELVILLE/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/one-of-the-most-entertaining-games-weve-been-part-of-smriti-mandhana-following-win-against-australia-in-super-over-thriller/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smriti Mandhana</a> has been a proven performer in the international arena. The 26-year-old has featured in 77 ODIs and aggregated 3073 runs at an average of 43.28. Coming to the shortest format, she has scored 2651 runs in 112 games at a strike rate of 123.13.
The opening batter has all the shots in the book and destroyed bowling line-ups with her flamboyant stroke play. Mandhana lighted the Commonwealth Games 2022 with her spectacular performance, hammering 159 runs in five games a tremendous strike rate of 151.42.&nbsp;
Besides her batting prowess, the southpaw is a brilliant reader of the game.&nbsp; When India’s designated captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been unavailable, Mandhana has donned the captain’s hat and has led the Women in Blue superbly. Given what the southpaw brings to the table, she might be on the wishlist of most of the franchises. Thus, a bidding war to sign Smriti appears on the cards.

<h3>2. Beth Mooney</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/2017/11/Beth-Mooney.jpg" alt="Beth Mooney" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Beth Mooney (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-cricket/twitter-reactions-beth-mooney-stars-as-dominant-australia-swat-aside-india-in-series-opener/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Mooney</a> has taken the international arena by storm from the time she made her Australia debut. She has featured in 57 ODIs and notched up 1941 runs at an excellent average of 52.45. In the shortest format, the ace batter has plundered 2144 runs in 77 T20Is at a strike rate of 125.30.
Mooney has been a marauder with the bat and has demolished bowling attacks at will. She was simply magnificent at the WBBL 2022-23 and hammered 434 runs in 14 matches for Perth Scorchers at a strike rate of 120.55. The opening batter was also in her elements in the ODI series against Pakistan, smashing 191 runs in three games.
Mooney is batting like a dream and can make WPL 2023 her own. Moreover, she brings a wealth of experience to any side. Therefore, when the 29-year-old goes under the hammer at the upcoming player auction, many franchises might go all guns blazing to add her to their arsenal.

<h3>1. Harmanpreet Kaur&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1663776417857_Harmanpreet-Kaur-1.jpeg" alt="Harmanpreet Kaur" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Harmanpreet Kaur (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-press-release/india-women-skipper-harmanpreet-kaur-discusses-about-changes-and-progress-in-womens-cricket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Harmanpreet Kaur</a> is one of the finest cricketers Indian cricket has produced. She has featured in 124 ODIs and aggregated 3322 runs at an average of 38.18. In the T20Is, the swashbuckling batter has plundered 2940 runs in 146 matches for the Women in Blue.
Harmanpreet has dismantled bowling attacks for fun with her power-hitting might and has been a game-changer with the bat. On her day, the veteran batter has taken even the best of bowlers to the cleaners and stamped her authority on the cricket field.
Moreover, Harmanpreet is an astute tactician of the game and has shepherded the national side to many glorious triumphs across formats. Under her captaincy, India won the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022. The 33-year-old is a proven leader and a gun finisher in the international arena. Thus, many franchises could go hammer and tongs to sign her at the WPL 2023 auction.

The long-awaited inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is around the corner. The T20 extravaganza is likely to take place between March 4 and March 26. Before the kick-start of the high-profile tournament, the five franchises are set to assemble for the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/wpl-auction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WPL 2023 auction</a>. The marquee event is reported to take place either on February 11 or February 13.
The player auction will witness T20 stars from around the world go under the hammer and teams are expected to leave no stone unturned to add them to their repertoire. Among the top-drawer players, there are certain gun batters who could garner a lot of interest at the auction table and might even trigger a bidding war between the franchises.
<h3>Here are five batters who can trigger a bidding war at the auction</h3>
<h3>5. Shafali Verma&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1673333609449_Shafali-Verma.jpeg" alt="Shafali Verma" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Shafali Verma. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/shafali-verma-breaks-down-in-tears-of-joy-during-post-match-presentation-after-leading-india-to-womens-u19-wc-glory/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shafali Verma</a> has taken the international arena by storm with her breathtaking performances. She has taken the attack to the opposition right from the get-go and provided the Women in Blue with brisk starts. She has featured in 51 T20Is and scored 1231 runs at a strike rate of 134.53.&nbsp;
Shafali displayed her batting prowess in the T20I series against Australia in December 2022. She hammered the opposition's bowlers all across the ground and scored 140 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 134.51. She was in pristine touch in the recently concluded Under-19 Women's World Cup 2023 as well and smashed 172 runs in seven games at a stunning strike rate of 193.25.
In a rapidly evolving T20 format, playing an aggressive brand of cricket has become the need of the hour and Shafali is someone who embodies the approach. Moreover, she can be a good captaincy option, having done a superb job of leading India's Under-19 team to glory at the Under-19 World Cup. Therefore, many WPL franchises might be interested in signing the opening batter at the upcoming player auction.

<h3>4. Laura Wolvaardt</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/2017/04/Laura-Wolvaardt.jpg" alt="Laura Wolvaardt" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/laura-wolvaardt-wins-sport-personality-of-the-year-at-sport-industry-award/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Laura Wolvaardt</a> has been a run-bank for South Africa across formats. She has featured in 80 ODIs and scored 3193 runs at an average of 45.61. Coming to the shortest format, the 23-year-old has scored 849 runs in 47 matches at a strike rate of 109.83.
Wolvaardt has shepherded the innings and allowed stroke makers to play with freedom. Also, she has displayed the aggressive aspect of her game when needed to put bowling attacks under the pump. The opening batter was quite phenomenal in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2022-23, smashing 403 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 106.05. Her batting exploits were instrumental in Adelaide Strikers clinching the title.
Wolvaardt provides solidity at the top of the order and is a valuable addition to any side. Given the elegant batter was exceptional in the WBBL, many franchises might raise their paddles to acquire her services at the forthcoming WPL 2023 auction.

<h3>3. Smriti Mandhana&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/Smriti-Mandhana-t20i.jpg" alt="Smriti Mandhana" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Smriti Mandhana. (Photo Source: MARTY MELVILLE/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/one-of-the-most-entertaining-games-weve-been-part-of-smriti-mandhana-following-win-against-australia-in-super-over-thriller/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smriti Mandhana</a> has been a proven performer in the international arena. The 26-year-old has featured in 77 ODIs and aggregated 3073 runs at an average of 43.28. Coming to the shortest format, she has scored 2651 runs in 112 games at a strike rate of 123.13.
The opening batter has all the shots in the book and destroyed bowling line-ups with her flamboyant stroke play. Mandhana lighted the Commonwealth Games 2022 with her spectacular performance, hammering 159 runs in five games a tremendous strike rate of 151.42.&nbsp;
Besides her batting prowess, the southpaw is a brilliant reader of the game.&nbsp; When India’s designated captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been unavailable, Mandhana has donned the captain’s hat and has led the Women in Blue superbly. Given what the southpaw brings to the table, she might be on the wishlist of most of the franchises. Thus, a bidding war to sign Smriti appears on the cards.

<h3>2. Beth Mooney</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/2017/11/Beth-Mooney.jpg" alt="Beth Mooney" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Beth Mooney (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-cricket/twitter-reactions-beth-mooney-stars-as-dominant-australia-swat-aside-india-in-series-opener/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Mooney</a> has taken the international arena by storm from the time she made her Australia debut. She has featured in 57 ODIs and notched up 1941 runs at an excellent average of 52.45. In the shortest format, the ace batter has plundered 2144 runs in 77 T20Is at a strike rate of 125.30.
Mooney has been a marauder with the bat and has demolished bowling attacks at will. She was simply magnificent at the WBBL 2022-23 and hammered 434 runs in 14 matches for Perth Scorchers at a strike rate of 120.55. The opening batter was also in her elements in the ODI series against Pakistan, smashing 191 runs in three games.
Mooney is batting like a dream and can make WPL 2023 her own. Moreover, she brings a wealth of experience to any side. Therefore, when the 29-year-old goes under the hammer at the upcoming player auction, many franchises might go all guns blazing to add her to their arsenal.

<h3>1. Harmanpreet Kaur&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1663776417857_Harmanpreet-Kaur-1.jpeg" alt="Harmanpreet Kaur" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Harmanpreet Kaur (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-press-release/india-women-skipper-harmanpreet-kaur-discusses-about-changes-and-progress-in-womens-cricket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Harmanpreet Kaur</a> is one of the finest cricketers Indian cricket has produced. She has featured in 124 ODIs and aggregated 3322 runs at an average of 38.18. In the T20Is, the swashbuckling batter has plundered 2940 runs in 146 matches for the Women in Blue.
Harmanpreet has dismantled bowling attacks for fun with her power-hitting might and has been a game-changer with the bat. On her day, the veteran batter has taken even the best of bowlers to the cleaners and stamped her authority on the cricket field.
Moreover, Harmanpreet is an astute tactician of the game and has shepherded the national side to many glorious triumphs across formats. Under her captaincy, India won the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022. The 33-year-old is a proven leader and a gun finisher in the international arena. Thus, many franchises could go hammer and tongs to sign her at the WPL 2023 auction.

The long-awaited inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is around the corner. The T20 extravaganza is likely to take place between March 4 and March 26. Before the kick-start of the hig

WPL 2023: 5 batters who can trigger bidding war at auction

The WPL 2023 auction is reported to take place either on February 11 or February 13.

Here we look at the five batters who can trigger a bidding war at the WPL 2023 auction.