Simran Shaikh clinched the biggest cheque in the Women's Premier League 2025 auction in Bengaluru on Sunday. Gujarat Giants spent a whooping Rs 1.9 crore to sign the Indian batter, making her the second-most expensive uncapped player in WPL history.
The 22-year-old Mumbai-born cricketer entered the auction with a base price of Rs 30 lakh but soon witnessed a big battle for her signature. Delhi Capitals were the first team to raise their paddle and were joined by Gujarat Giants to trigger a bidding war.
Gujarat took a step back to think when the bid reached Rs 1.6 crore but after some discussion and head-scratching, they re-entered with Rs 1.7 crore. Delhi also took a considerable time to up their bid by Rs 10 lakh but Gujarat seemed adamant with a potential winning bid of Rs 1.9 crore.
Before Simran's name came into the auction, Gujarat Giants had spent Rs 1.7 core to sign the West Indies' legendary all-rounder Deandra Dottin. With the addition of Dottin and Simran, the Giants significantly boosted their batting attack for the WPL 2025 season.
Top buys at WPL 2025 auction
- Simran Shaikh to Gujarat Giants - Rs 1.90 crore
- Deandra Dottin to Gujarat Giants - Rs 1.70 crore
- G Kamalini to Mumbai Indians - Rs 1.60 crore
- Prema Rawat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Rs 1.20 crore
- N Charani to Delhi Capitals - Rs 55 lakh
Gujarat Giants also signed Mumbai spinner Prakashika Naik, 27, for a base price of Rs 10 lakh. Gujarat's fourth and last signing of the day was English fast-bowling all-rounder Danielle Gibson who cost Rs 30 lakh only.
Meanwhile, Gujarat didn't go for their former captain Sneh Rana, who was the highest profile name, to go unsold at the auction. Star overseas players Heather Knight and Lauren Bell also failed to attract any bids.