WPL Auction 2024: Shabnim Ismail Bought By Mumbai Indians For INR 1.2 Crore

In the ongoing Tata Women’s Premier League Auction, South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail was bought by Mumbai Indians for a whopping 1.2 crores. Shabnim Ismail is one of the most experienced players currently from South Africa having represented her national team in 113 T20Is. She played for UP Warriorz last season in the WPL and now she will be packing her bags for a move to Mumbai.

Shabnim Ismail has taken 123 wickets in 113 T20Is which is the fourth-highest in Women’s T20 internationals. She also has the record of getting the most bowled-out wickets in Women’s T20Is with a tally of 42 bowled-out wickets to her name. Ismail has also bowled the second-most number of maidens in Women’s T20Is (21 maiden overs).

Ismail made her debut for South Africa in 2007 and has been an integral part of their bowling attack since her debut. She has a prolific record for her national team and she represented the UP-based franchise in the last year’s WPL. Shabnim Ismail has played in every Women’s T20 World Cup competition since its inauguration in 2009.

Mumbai Indians Bid For Shabnim Ismail After Losing The Bid For Annabel Sutherland

? #AaliRe
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Playing this on ? coz we have our first buy – welcome to #OneFamily, Shabnim Ismail! ?#TATAWPLAuction #WPLAuction

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) December 9, 2023

The Mumbai-based franchise was going all in for Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland but Delhi Capitals beat them in the race for acquiring the all-rounder. Delhi Capitals got Sutherland for INR 2 crores after a long bidding war against Mumbai Indians who were in the bid till 1.9 crores. However, Shabnim Ismail would be an amazing addition to the roster and will now play for the defending champions.

The South African pacer played only three matches in the WPL last season while she was in UP Warriorz and took three wickets in three matches. She will hopefully get an increased game-time while playing for Mumbai Indians.

Mumbai Indians won the inaugural season of the WPL in 2023 with Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur leading the team. The Mumbai-based franchise has a powerful arsenal of overseas players including England’s Natalie Sciver-Brunt, South Africa’s power hitter Chloe Tryon, and New Zealand’s all-rounder Amelia Kerr.