Smriti Mandhana signs WBBL contract with Adelaide Strikers, 19 other Indian cricketers in player draft

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana has become the first Indian women's cricketer to sign a pre-draft overseas contract with Adelaide Strikers and she will join the defending champions in the upcoming WBBL season.

Adelaide Strikers will be the fourth WBBL franchise she will represent in the 10 years of the competition. Previously she played for the Brisbane Heat (WBBL 2016-17), Hobart Hurricanes (WBBL 2018-19), and Sydney Thunder (WBBL 2021).

Mandhana opted out of the WBBL 2022 season due to reasons of workload management. She also skipped the 2023 season to play in the Indian domestic cricket.

The Indian opener will reunite with her RCB coach Luke Williams at the Adelaide Strikers. Together the duo won RCB Women their maiden WPL title earlier this season.

"I always look forward to playing in Australia, and I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to a team with a history of success like the Strikers. I'm thrilled to continue working with Luke. Our previous experiences together have been so rewarding, and I'm looking forward to building on that" Mandhana said.

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Her coach Luke Williams is also looking forward to working with her at the Strikers. In addition to the WPL, Mandhana and Williams have also worked together previously at Southern Brave in The Hundred.

"I know firsthand the dedication and energy she brings to the team and on the field. Her expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we drive for success in the upcoming season."

The WBBL 2024 season opener will be played between the Strikers and Brisbane Heat at the home ground of the strikers in a rematch of last year's final on October 27.

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Several other famous Indian women cricketers like Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma will play in the WBBL 2024 as well.

As many as 19 Indian women cricketers have been shortlisted in the WBBL draft which points out the popularity these cricketers have garnered over time with their performances. The likes of Kaur, Deepti Sharma, and Rodrigues have a chance to be retained by their former franchises as well.

Deepti Sharma in particular, has been in the news recently after she led the London Spirit to victory in The Hundred 2024 Final, finishing the game in style, by hitting a six in the last three balls of the match.

While Kaur played as part of the Renegades last season, Rodrigues and Sharma were last involved in the WBBL during the 2022 season with Melbourne Stars and 2021 with the Sydney Thunder, respectively.

The draft for the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024 in Australia, is set to take place on September 1. Meanwhile, with all the focus currently on the WBBL.

The Women's T20 World Cup will be played later this year in October. The tournament will be played from October 3-20 in the UAE with several teams having already named their squads.

Defending champions Australia have named their squad. This time they will be led by Alyssa Healy and they have a good mix of young and experienced players. The WBBL will give the local players a good chance to enhance their T20 skills.

Complete List Of Indian women cricketers in WBBL draft