Australian cricketer Ash Gardner will pocket $558,000 after she received the second-highest bid in the inaugural Women’s Premier League auction.
Gardner was sold to the Gujarat Giants after a furious three-way bidding war for the Indian tournament, which will have five teams competing across 22 matches in Mumbai next month.
It was a massive pay day for Gardner, who was photographed watching the auction on her phone with her teammates Megan Schutt and Kim Garth during a training session on Monday. Gardner was recently named WBBL player of the year.
“Ashleigh’s such a great all-rounder. She delivers in three skills. She’s been really important for us over the last 12 months to two years, and even beyond that,” said Australian coach Shelley Nietschke.
“But I think what we’re finding in recent times is that she’s really coming into her game and maturing as a cricketer. So she plays a key role for us.
“It was fantastic to see her perform with the ball and her career-best figures against New Zealand. I’m looking forward to seeing what the tournament (WPL) brings for her.”
Beth Mooney was also picked up by the Gujarat Giants for $349,000, while Ellyse Perry was won with a bid of $297,000. Tahlia McGrath went to the UP Warriors for $245,00.
Australian captain Meg Lanning will pocket $191,400 after being picked up by the Delhi Capitals.
The auction for the Women’s Premier League represents a massive shift in women’s cricket. Just a few years ago, it would have been unimaginable to see female players auctioned off for more than half a million dollars. A total of 14 Australian players were picked up in the auction, the highest representation of any country.
The Women’s Premier League, a Twenty20 franchise, will be played in Mumbai between March 4 and March 26.