The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction was a spectacle of talent, strategy, and high stakes, where teams aimed to secure the best players for their rosters. However, amid the flurry of bids and excitement, some notable names from the Women’s T20 World Cup winning teams surprisingly went unsold. Here, we delve into the stories of five such players – Rosemary Mair, Darcie Brown, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, and Nicola Carey – examining their careers, the reasons behind their auction snubs, and what the future might hold for them.
1. Rosemary Mair:
Career Overview: Rosemary Mair, a New Zealand all-rounder, has been a consistent performer in international cricket. Her ability to bowl medium pace with swing and contribute with the bat lower down the order has made her a valuable asset in T20s.
World Cup Performance: Mair was part of the New Zealand team that clinched the T20 World Cup in 2022, showcasing her versatility and clutch performances.
Auction Analysis: Despite her international credentials, Mair might have gone unsold due to her relatively lower profile in the global T20 circuit outside New Zealand. Teams might have been looking for players with a more established record in various leagues around the world.
Future Outlook: This could be a setback, but Mair’s resilience and skill set suggest she’ll continue to be a key player for New Zealand, potentially attracting attention in future auctions as she gains more exposure.
2. Darcie Brown:
Career Overview: Darcie Brown is known for her express pace, making her one of the fastest bowlers in women’s cricket. The Australian has been a part of several winning campaigns, including the T20 World Cup.
World Cup Performance: Brown played a significant role in Australia’s 2023 T20 World Cup win, bringing speed and aggression to their attack.
Auction Analysis: Her unsold status could be attributed to the high competition among fast bowlers, with teams perhaps opting for those with more varied skills or better T20 statistics. Her youth and potential for growth might not have been enough to sway teams.
Future Outlook: Brown’s pace is a rare commodity in women’s cricket, and there’s every chance she’ll bounce back, perhaps with a stronger performance in domestic leagues that could elevate her profile.
3. Kim Garth:
Career Overview: Kim Garth, originally from Ireland but now representing Australia, has a rich cricketing history with skills in both batting and bowling. She’s known for her seam bowling and lower-order hitting.
World Cup Performance: Part of the triumphant Australian squad in 2023, Garth’s all-round abilities were key in several matches.
Auction Analysis: Garth’s move to Australia might have played a role in her going unsold, with teams possibly perceiving her as still adapting to the Australian setup or having enough similar players.
Future Outlook: Garth’s international experience and dual skills mean she remains a valuable player. Her performance in domestic and international matches could quickly change her auction fortunes.
4. Heather Graham:
Career Overview: Heather Graham is another Australian all-rounder, known for her fast-medium bowling and middle-order batting. Her performances in domestic cricket have been notable.
World Cup Performance: Though not the most highlighted player, Graham contributed to the 2023 World Cup win with her versatility.
Auction Analysis: The competition might have been steep for all-rounders, with teams preferring those with either a higher strike rate or better economy rates in T20s.
Future Outlook: Graham’s all-round capabilities are undeniable, and her next season’s performances could rekindle interest from WPL teams.
5. Nicola Carey:
Career Overview: Nicola Carey has been a reliable performer for Australia, known for her left-arm spin and handy batting. She’s particularly effective in the middle overs.
World Cup Performance: Carey was part of the 2023 winning squad, offering balance to the team with her all-round capabilities.
Auction Analysis: Similar to Graham, Carey might have faced tough competition. Her role as a spinner might not have been as sought after due to the abundance of spin options in the auction.
Future Outlook: Carey’s consistent performances in domestic cricket could see her back in contention for future WPL auctions as teams recognize the value of her dual skills.
The unsold status of these players raises questions about the selection criteria and strategy of WPL teams. It highlights the fierce competition for spots, where even World Cup winners need to stand out in other formats or leagues to secure contracts. This scenario also underscores the depth of talent in women’s cricket, where even accomplished players might not always find a taker in a particular auction.
For these players, it’s not the end of their careers but rather a pause. They have the opportunity to prove their worth in domestic cricket, other international leagues, or in future WPL auctions. Their unsold status could also drive them to perform exceptionally, aiming to make an impact that can’t be ignored.
The WPL 2025 auction might have overlooked these talents, but for Rosemary Mair, Darcie Brown, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, and Nicola Carey, this is merely a chapter in their cricketing journey. Their achievements in the Women’s T20 World Cup are testament to their capabilities, and with resilience and continued performance, they are sure to find their place in the global cricketing landscape once again. As fans, we can only hope to see these players rise and shine, proving that sometimes, the best stories are those of comebacks and perseverance.
