The intense bidding war on some of the world’s cricket renowned names took the cricketing fraternity by storm in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction in Mumbai on Monday (February 13).

As many as 409 players were up for grabs as five teams - Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore and UP Warriorz - formed their squad ahead of the tournament’s first edition.

India opener Smriti Mandhana was the first player to go under the hammer and RCB secured her services for a hefty sum of INR 3.40 Crore.

Other notable Indian picks included, Jemimah Rodrigues (2.20 Crore to Delhi Capitals), Shafali Verma (2 Crore to Delhi Capitals), Pooja Vastrakar (1.90 Crore to Mumbai Indians) and Harmanpreet Kaur (1.80 Crore to Mumbai Indians).

While the players were over the moon, the videos of their families reacting to the bids also went viral on social media.

India pacer Renuka Singh’s family watched the auction on mobile from her hometown Shimla and celebrated the 1.50 Crore deal she secured with RCB.

Richa Ghosh, who played a key role in India’s Women’s T20 World Cup win over the arch-rivals a day before the auction, was fetched by RCB for 1.90 Crore. Her parents and brother were also glued to the TV screen as teams had bidding war to secure her services.

Deepti Sharma’s family members also followed the auction keenly on television. The all-rounder bagged a handsome deal with UP Warriorz for 2.60 Crore.

Among the overseas players, Australia’s Ashleigh Gardener and England’s Natalie Sciver were the top picks, having been sold for 3.20 Crore to Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians respectively.