The inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is all set to be staged this year, in fact, in a month’s time. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is done with handing ownership of the five franchises that will be taking part in the first edition. The next step towards starting the league is the Players' auction. The Indian cricket board is all set to hold a full-fledged auction by the second week of February, as per several reports.
Players have already registered their names. As per reports in the media, these players have registered with their respective State Associations directly and not via agents or managers. Also, the base price - termed 'reserve price' - for the capped Indian players is set at INR 30 lakh, INR 40 lakh and INR 50 lakh and that for the uncapped players is at INR 10 lakh and INR 20 lakh.
Now, as the stakeholders get ready for the thrilling bidding contest to acquire the services of top players across the globe, here is a prediction on which five Indian players can fetch massive money at the Women’s Premier League auction (in no particular order).
1. Smriti Mandhana 
The most dynamic batter in world cricket and India’s vice-captain in T20Is, Smriti Mandhana is set to attract an intense bidding war among the five franchises. Mandhana has already played in leagues like Women’s Big Bash and The Hundred. Also, the 26-year-old has already played over 100 T20Is and has amassed over 2500 runs. Mandhana will also be looked at as a potential captain.
