The second edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) commences this Friday with five teams competing. Defending champions, Mumbai Indians will attempt to retain their title with Charlotte Edwards and Harmanpreet Kaur leading the side. With 60 players retained and 30 sold in the auction, here are five overseas stars to look out for across the competition.
Annabel Sutherland (Delhi Capitals)
Age: 22
International Rep: Australia
Role: All-rounder
Australian all-rounder, Annabel Sutherland has dominated the deadlines when she became the 10th female player to score a double century. Honing her craft once again, in a Test match against South Africa, Sutherland scored 210 and registered blowing figures of 5/30. With a wealth of accolades at just 22, Sutherland is embarking on her second year in the tournament, signing for the Delhi Capital from the Gujarat Giants. Although the T20 format may not be her strongest trade, Sutherland has taken a significant number of international wickets and plays with a healthy strike rate.
Kathryn Bryce (Gujarat Giants)
Age: 26
International Rep: Scotland
Role: All-rounder
Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce will be flying the flag for associate nations this year in the WPL while representing the Gujarat Giants. The 26-year-old currently captains her country while also playing a crucial role for English domestic team, the Blaze. Having the opportunity to turn professional with Loughborough Lightning in 2020, Bryce has achieved recognition in a number of franchise tournaments including the WBBL and The Hundred.
Shabnim Ismail (Mumbai Indians)
Age: 35
International Rep: South Africa (retired)
Role: Seam Bowler
Although Shabnim Ismail has been internationally retired for the past 10 months, the former South African fast bowler has continued her career in franchise and domestic cricket. Representing Central Gauteng in the CSA Women’s One-Day Cup and CSA Women’s T20 Challenge and playing for the Hobart Hurricanes in the WBBL, Ismail has continued her impressive attacking style of play. The 35-year-old starred for the UP Warriorz last season but has switched to play under Charlotte Edwards at the Mumbai Indians.
Nadine de Klerk (RCB)
Age: 24
International Rep: South Africa
Role: Seam Bowler
Taking the English domestic circuit by storm last summer, Nadine de Klerk has proved herself in both the northern and southern hemisphere for various teams. Retained by Nottingham-based, the Blaze, de Klerk continues to impress as an overseas star. Making her WPL debut, the 24-year-old bowler will feature for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Chamari Athapaththu (UP Warriorz)
Age: 34
International Rep: Sri Lanka
Role: All-rounder
Chamari Athapaththu is one of the most in-form players in the world. However, the valuable all-rounder has been overlooked by franchise teams for years, only earning a WPL call up this year. With over 200 international caps, 5000 runs and 60 wickets, Athapaththu is one of the more experienced players in this years tournament. Playing for the Northern Districts in New Zealand for the past few months, the 34-year-old has kept up her rhythm ahead of the WPL.
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