Earlier, we reported that Lauren Bell was opting out of WPL due to the series against New Zealand. However, 4 players have come out and prioritized WPL matches over the National Duty. ECB is supporting this decision and has announced two separate squads for the T20 tour against the Black Caps. In this article, we will tell you the players in WPL who will stay for the tournament, those players who have opted out, and whether the head coach is available to coach the national team or not. Let’s have a look.
Four England players prioritize WPL over National duty
So, four players have decided to prioritize the Women’s Premier League instead of the T20I series against the Kiwis. These are the players.
| Player | WPL team |
|---|---|
| Alice Capsey | Delhi Capitals |
| ophie Ecclestone | UP Warriorz |
| Nat Sciver-Brunt | Mumbai Indians |
| Danni Wyatt | UP Warriorz |
ECB is supporting their decision to play WPL instead of the T20 series. Now, these players will take part in the final two T20 matches against New Zealand, skipping the first three matches. For the first three matches, the ECB has announced a separate squad.
ECB has always supported its players when it comes to such situations. Franchise leagues are important for a player’s personal growth and financial stability since these leagues pay more money than a bilateral series.
Supporting women cricketers this way is much more important. That’s why, you can see the English board is supportive of this decision.
Head coach partially available
The women’s cricket team’s head coach, Jon Lewis, will also be unavailable for the first three matches. He is the head coach for UP Warriorz as well. And, he is prioritizing the league instead of the international series.
This shows how the franchise cricket is spreading its influence. And WPL, just like IPL, is the first one to take this move in women’s cricket.
Players who have opted out
Initially, we reported that Lauren Bell had opted out. In addition to her, Heather Knight has also opted out of playing WPL. These players will be available for the bilateral series. Here are the WPL teams they represent.
| Player | WPL teams |
|---|---|
| Lauren Bell | UP Warriroz |
| Heather Knight | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
Concluding remarks
This shows how the evolving landscape of cricket has affected the international bilateral series. Before these franchise leagues, fans used to be excited about the bilateral series. The sponsors would pour in the money. Also, the players would give it their all.
Now, the players prefer T20 leagues, the fans are not interested in longer formats of the game, and the sponsors are not that interested in the stuff the viewers are not interested in. That is why, the leagues make more money than the international series or even the ICC events.
This is where, there are talks about ending the cricket World Cup and focusing on the T20 World Cup. It will also make ICC easier to globalize the sport.
Some will love this, but a lot will hate it. But this is business. And you have to understand that the game will move where the money will move.
What are your opinions about this? Let us know by your comments on the social media.