New Delhi. WPL auction saw bidding for 15 out of 16 players of India’s world-winning team. But female cricketers bid less than men. However, the shine of the World Cup winning squad was clearly visible in the WPL auction this time. 9 players were sold, 6 were already retained, and the total price reached Rs 22.65 crore.

Top bid of auction: Deepti Sharma again the pride of UP

Deepti Sharma, who emerged from the streets of Varanasi and became the world’s top all-rounder, was bought back by UP Warriors for Rs 3.20 crore. 22 wickets + 215 runs in the World Cup… and yes, the tag of Player of the Tournament is different!

Retained Stars: Smriti, Harman-Jemimah back in their teams

RCB again trusts Smriti, Smriti Mandhana got the player for Rs 3.50 crore and remains the highest bidder in WPL history. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur will continue with Mumbai for Rs 2.50 crore. Jemima-Shefali’s partnership continues from Delhi. Delhi Capitals retained both of them for Rs 2.20 crore each. However, is the gap still big in the salaries of male and female players in the world of cricket?

The total price of Women’s World Champions is Rs 22.65 crore, while Rishabh Pant alone is worth Rs 27 crore. That means the entire Indian women’s world champion team is also cheaper than Pant! Smriti Mandhana, India’s top run scorer, got Rs 3.50 crore but till now no bid has been received on any female player above Rs 4 crore. At the same time, dozens of players in IPL have been sold for Rs 10-20 crores.