The cricketing world witnessed a historic moment in 2023 with the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction. Smriti Mandhana, the Indian vice-captain, became the most expensive player, fetching a staggering INR 3.4 […]
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Feb 21, 2024 6:24 pm
Smriti Mandhana and Babar Azam (Source – X)
The cricketing world witnessed a historic moment in 2023 with the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction. Smriti Mandhana, the Indian vice-captain, became the most expensive player, fetching a staggering INR 3.4 crore.
However, fans were quick to draw comparisons with the salaries of other players in various leagues. It came to light that Pakistan’s to batter, Babar Azam‘s PSL salary was much lesser in comparison. Azam earns just INR 1.23 crore while playing for Peshawar Zalmi, more than INR 2 crore less than what Mandhana earns in the WPL.
However, while comparisons may seem straightforward, understanding the context behind these figures requires a deeper dive. The primary factor explaining the discrepancy lies in the vastly different market sizes and revenue streams of the WPL and PSL. The IPL, on which the WPL is modelled, enjoys immense popularity and sponsorship, resulting in higher player salaries. In contrast, the PSL, while growing, still operates on a smaller scale. Additionally, the inaugural WPL auction witnessed aggressive bidding due to the novelty and limited player pool. This further inflated player values, with franchises aiming to secure marquee names.
It’s crucial to recognize that player salaries are also dependent on brand value, marketability, and team dynamics. Mandhana, as a leading Indian cricketer, carries immense brand value and attracts a significant fan following. This commercial appeal makes her a valuable asset for franchises, justifying the high investment.
Mandhana is out to justify the price tag!
Last season, as RCB captain, Mandhana led her team to a disappointing 5th-place finish, a far cry from their title aspirations. It wasn’t just the team’s performance; Mandhana herself battled poor form, her bat faltering throughout the season. As such, the weight of that experience sits heavy on her shoulders. This season, Mandhana isn’t just playing for runs, she’s playing for vindication.
The captain in her will know that leading by example is paramount. RCB’s squad isn’t the best this time as well and hence, her leadership will be tested to the core. It remains to be seen if Mandhana can turn the tables around and create history for a franchise still longing for a maiden trophy.
