New Delhi, Nov 26 (NationPress) Former Indian captain Anjum Chopra has expressed her belief that English cricketer Sophie Ecclestone is set to command a substantial price at the first-ever Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction taking place here on Thursday.

This auction will present a roster of 277 players, including 194 from India and 83 international athletes, ensuring a thrilling contest for talent among franchises.

As excitement mounts, Anjum, along with former Indian player Veda Krishnamurthy, noted that both Ecclestone and Alyssa Healy from Australia are likely to be at the forefront of the auction.

Speaking on JioHostar, Chopra stressed Ecclestone’s significance as a left-arm spinner capable of changing the course of a match, stating, “Sophie Ecclestone is a genuine match-winner and will undoubtedly attract a hefty price at the auction. Considering the budgets available to teams, she won’t be inexpensive. Most franchises are likely to see her as a key addition.”

“Her left-arm spin and precision make her a prized possession. While teams like the Delhi and Mumbai Indians may not prioritize her, franchises such as the UP Warriorz will definitely consider utilizing their right-to-match card for her. Even Delhi could view her as a strategic asset.”

Moreover, Veda pointed out Ecclestone’s reliability and all-around skills, mentioning, “Ecclestone has been remarkably impressive, particularly during the World Cup, where she demonstrated why she is the top-ranked T20 bowler. In the shorter format, she brings an essential X-factor, consistently delivering her full quota of four overs with an outstanding economy rate.

“Furthermore, she can score valuable runs with the bat, establishing herself as a true match-winner. Similar to Deepti Sharma, Sophie is bound to be a highly coveted player in the auction.”

Conversely, Healy is anticipated to catch attention due to her extensive experience and wicket-keeping skills. Chopra noted, “Healy is a formidable player with considerable experience that cannot be ignored. Delhi might strongly consider her as they seek to fill the wicket-keeping position, indicating substantial interest from that direction.”

However, Veda raised concerns regarding Healy’s fitness after her recent injury, stating, “There is some uncertainty regarding Alyssa Healy’s fitness, as we noticed during the recent World Cup that she wasn’t operating at full strength in the later stages. She was in the process of recovering from an injury, which raises doubts about her readiness.”