WPL Auction 2025: Mithali Raj shocks Gujarat Giants by exiting franchise days before event

In a surprising development, Mithali Raj and the Gujarat Giants have mutually agreed to part ways days before the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction. Mithali had been serving as the mentor and advisor for the franchise for the past two seasons.

The former Indian women’s cricket team captain recently took up a new role with the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), and it could be the reason behind leaving the Gujarat Giants just a few days before the WPL 2025 auction.

Mithali Raj and Gujarat Giants part ways ahead of WPL 2025 Auction

A Cricbuzz report claimed that Mithali Raj and Gujarat Giants parted ways mutually, with the official confirmation likely to be made soon. Mithali had initially signed a three-year contract with the Giants, but the partnership ended after just two seasons.

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During the former Indian batter’s tenure, the Gujarat Giants finished at the bottom of the points table in the WPL twice. Meanwhile, the Gujarat team’s bowling coach, Nooshin Al Khadeer, has also decided not to renew her contract as she had a two-year deal.

Nooshin is currently focused on her role as the coach of the India Under-19 Women's team, and that’s why she decided to leave the Giants. Well, the Gujarat Giants are expected to announce the replacements for Nooshin Al Khadeer and Mithali Raj on Thursday (December 12).

However, the Gujarat team’s head coach Michael Klinger, and fielding coach Carl Hopkinson are expected to continue in their current roles in the next WPL season.

Gujarat Giants lead with the highest purse as 120 players are set to go under the hammer at the WPL 2025 auction

Meanwhile, a total of 120 players will go under the hammer at the WPL 2025 auction on December 15 in Bengaluru. Of 120 players registered for the auction, a total of 91 players are Indians, and 29 players are from overseas, including three from Associate teams.

A total of 19 slots are available across five WPL teams to fill, with up to 5 being filled by the overseas women stars. Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bangalore each have four spots to fill at the WPL 2025 auction, while UP Warriorz have three.

On the other hand, the Giants have the highest available purse of INR 4.4 crore, while the Delhi Capitals, two-time runners-up, have a smaller budget of INR 2.5 crore for the mini-auction in Bengaluru.

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One of the notable players registered for the auction is England's Lauren Bell. The tall English pacer, who is known for her ability to generate bounce, is entering the auction at the base price of INR 30 lakhs. She was part of the UP Warriorz in the inaugural WPL season but didn't play any matches.

Earlier, the Gujarat franchise released India all-rounder Sneh Rana, T20 World Cup winner Lea Tahuhu, Scotland skipper Kathryn Bryce, uncapped Indian spinner Trisha Poojitha, seasoned batter Veda Krishnamurthy, and off-spinner Tarannum Pathan ahead of the WPL 2025 auction.

Here are the players retained by GG for the next WPL season:

Beth Mooney (c), Laura Wolvaardt, Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner, Harleen Deol, Dayalan Hemalatha, Tąnuja Kanwer, Mannat Kashyap, Meghna Singh, Shabnam Shakil, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Priya Mishra, Sayali Satghare.