International League T20 player auction – best $$$ value, biggest overall spend and finalised squads

We need to talk about the International League T20’s inaugural player auction.

The tournament has been going on for a few years, but hosted its first auction recently.

From Scott Currie’s big price and Ravichandran Ashwin’s withdrawal and more, this is one well worth reflecting on.

1. MI Emirates: USD 1,868,000 total spend

Well versed in player auctions, the MI management didn’t come to play at this particular auction – they meant business from the first raise of the paddle and spent the most at the event.

The juggernaut that also owns the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, MI New York in MLC in the USA and MI Cape Town in the SA20 paid the biggest price of the day for West Indies big-hitter Andre Fletcher.

After retaining their top wicket-taker from the previous season, Fazalhaq Farooqi, MI Emirates weren’t going to leave their best bowler without solid support – and gladly coughed up more for Afghanistan seamer Naveen-ul-Haq. They also threw Shakib Al Hasan into the mix.

Auction signings

1. Andre Fletcher (USD 260,000)
2. Muhammad Rohid (USD 140,000)
3. Jordan Thompson (USD 48,000)
4. Shakib Al Hasan (USD 40,000)
5. Naveen-ul-Haq (USD 100,000)
6. Nosthush Kenjige (USD 10,000)
7. Mohamed Shafeeq (USD 10,000)
8. Zain Ul Abidin (USD 10,000)
9. Usman Khan (USD 10,000)
10. Ackeem Auguste (USD 10,000)
11. Arab Gul (USD 10,000)
12. Tajinder Dhillon (USD 10,000)
13. Zahoor Khan (USD 10,000)

Retentions and pre-auction signings

• Fazalhaq Farooqi
• Tom Banton
• Romario Shepherd
• Chris Woakes
• Jonny Bairstow
• AM Ghazanfar
• Muhammad Waseem
• Kamindu Mendis

2. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: USD 1,457,000 total spend

The Abu Dhabi team in the ILT20 haven’t yet come close to the level of success achieved by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Abu Dhabi, indeed, are still in pursuit of a maiden title.

Looking at the tactical composition of their auction approach, though, this could be their year to go all the way. Brandon McMullen was their only six-figure purchase this time – and the star Scotland batsman evidently has the backing to go big.

It’s going to be highly interesting to see if Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, who were signed before the auction, stick around for the play-offs if Abu Dhabi get that for. They’ve been signed in the SA20, too. The start of that tournament coincides with the end of the ILT20.

Auction signings

1. Brandon McMullen (USD 110,000)
2. Michael Pepper (USD 40,000)
3. Unmukt Chand (USD 40,000)
4. Ibrar Ahmed (USD 22,000)
5. George Garton (USD 10,000)
6. Ajay Kumar (USD 10,000)
7. Adnan Idrees Muhammad (USD 10,000)
8. Abdul Manan Ali (USD 10,000)
9. Mayank Chowdary (USD 10,000)
10. Khary Pierre (USD 10,000)
11. Shadley Van Schalkwyk (USD 10,000)

Retentions and pre-auction signings

• Liam Livingstone
• Alishan Sharafu
• Alex Hales
• Sherfane Rutherford
• Sunil Narine
• Andre Russell
• Phil Salt
• Olly Stone

3. Desert Vipers: USD 1,617,500 total spend

The Desert Vipers, also looking for their first ILT20 title, had the most composed player auction. They were calm throughout, methodically pushing for plan A, but were happy to fall back on plan B and C.

They effectively spilt USD 240,000 across three players, walking away with a sound balance of fast bowling and big hitting across Tom Bruce, Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah.

Because of their clever spend, they were also able to bolster their batting ranks with Tawanda Muyeye and add to their spin resources with Qais Ahmad. An exemplary way to handle a player auction, for sure.

Auction signings

1. Tom Bruce (USD 80,000)
2. Fakhar Zaman (USD 80,000)
3. Naseem Shah (USD 80,000)
4. Tawanda Muyeye (USD 40,000)
5. Hasan Nawaz (USD 40,000)
6. Qais Ahmad (USD 40,000)
7. Sanjay Pahal (USD 10,000)
8. Bilal Tahir (USD 10,000)
9. Faisal Khan (USD 10,000)
10. Vriitya Aravind (USD 10,000)
11. Matiullah Khan (USD 10,000)
12. Faridoon Dawoodzai (USD 10,000)

Retentions and pre-auction signings

• Dan Lawrence
• Max Holden
• David Payne
• Khuzaima Bin Tanveer
• Lockie Ferguson
• Wanindu Hasaranga
• Sam Curran
• Andries Gous

Also read – Rated: 5 best buys and 5 most surprising discards at International League T20 player auction

4. Dubai Capitals: USD 1,475,000 total spend

Allow us to introduce you to what will likely be the team with the most effective bowling attack during season four of the International League T20, thanks almost solely to the expensive acquisition of Scott Currie.

First noticed in Scotland before gaining popularity in England, Currie is on the brink of big things. He is one of the finest T20 cricket seamers at the moment – this is his hour.

The Capitals have been there, done that. They now what’s required to win the title and are gunning for a successful title defence here. Currie and Tymal Mills in tandem is a hugely enticing prospect.

Auction signings

1. Scott Currie (USD 250,000)
2. Tymal Mills (USD 80,000)
3. Mohammad Nabi (USD 80,000)
4. Farhan Khan (USD 10,000)
5. Anudeep Chenthamara (USD 10,000)
6. Usman Najeeb (USD 10,000)
7. Ritesh Mallikarjuna Grandhi (USD 10,000)
8. Muhammad Farooq (USD 10,000)
9. Shayan Jahangir (USD 10,000)
10. Rushil Ugarkar (USD 10,000)
11. Naveen Bidiasee (USD 10,000)
12. Toby Albert (USD 10,000)
13. Akshay Wakhare (USD 10,000)

Retentions and pre-auction signings

• Jordan Cox
• Rovman Powell
• Gulbadin Naib
• Sediqullah Atal
• Waqar Salamkheil
• Haider Ali
• Muhammad Jawadullah
• Jimmy Neesham

5. Gulf Giants: USD 1,471,000 total spend

Here’s a team who had the widest range of spend, dropping a few USD 10,000 purchases alongside the biggest of USD 170,000 and everything in between. The biggest benefactor of this? England’s Liam Dawson.

Left-arm spinners who can bat are popular picks in domestic T20 league and another gig for Dawson is testament to that. There will be a lot of pressure on him to deliver the goods.

The Giants didn’t really push for any outright stars during the auction, as they had already pre-signed James Vince and Mooen Ali prior. There’s evident England influence to the composition of their squad.

Auction signings

1. Liam Dawson (USD 170,000)
2. Haider Razzaq (USD 50,000)
3. Tabraiz Shamsi (USD 40,000)
4. Fred Klaassen (USD 40,000)
5. Chris Wood (USD 40,000)
6. Tom Moores (USD 40,000)
7. Ramon Simmonds (USD 40,000)
8. Asif Khan (USD 26,000)
9. Ishtiaq Ahmad (USD 16,000)
10. Meet Bhavsar (USD 14,000)
11. Lorcan Tucker (USD 10,000)
12. Zuhaib Zubair (USD 10,000)
13. Sean Dickson (USD 10,000)

Retentions and pre-auction signings

• Aayan Afzal Khan
• Mark Adair
• Gerhard Erasmus
• Blessing Muzarabani
• Moeen Ali
• James Vince
• Azmatullah Omarzai
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz

6. Sharjah Warriorz: USD 1,664,000 total spend

Sharjah dragged Dinesh Karthik out of semi-retirement shortly before the player auction. It must have taken some convincing, but they’ve ensured he won’t be going it alone – as was the case in the IPL time and time again – by beefing up their batting resources.

They have somewhat of a has-been international cricketer in Dwaine Pretorius, who is still valuable with bat and ball at domestic level. The signing of hotrod West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales is exciting.

The whole auction started rather quietly, but picked up when Junaid Siddique’s name came up. After a bidding war, the Warriorz finally got him. For their effort, they’ll want maximum value out of him as soon as the tournament starts.

Auction signings

1. Junaid Siddique (USD 170,000)
2. Dwaine Pretorius (USD 120,000)
3. Nathan Sowter (USD 100,000)
4. Taskin Ahmed (USD 80,000)
5. Jayden Seales (USD 80,000)
6. Wasim Akram (USD 55,000)
7. Mohamed Aslam (USD 14,000)
8. James Rew (USD 10,000)
9. Harmeet Singh (USD 10,000)
10. Raees Ahmad (USD 10,000)
11. Richard Ngarava (USD 10,000)
12. Shubham Ranjane (USD 10,000)
13. Ethan D’Souza (USD 10,000)
14. Abdul Salman Khan (USD 10,000)

Retentions and pre-auction signings

• Dinesh Karthik
• Sikandar Raza
• Tom Kohler-Cadmore
• Tim David
• Johnson Charles
• Tim Southee
• Saurabh Netravalkar

Read next: 9 of the biggest exclusions from SA20 player auction purchases

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Women’s Cricket World Cup predictions: The top 7 run-scorers – Beth Mooney to star

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is here, with India and Sri Lanka hosting what promises to be one of the most competitive editions in the tournament’s history.

Batting depth across the participating nations has never looked stronger, with several players coming into the competition in imperious form.

The prize for finishing as the top run scorer is more than just an individual accolade, it often goes hand-in-hand with carrying a team deep into the knockout stages.

From seasoned stars with proven records on the world stage to rising talents making their mark, here are seven batters most likely to dominate the run charts.

1. Smriti Mandhana (India)

• Tournament prediction: 650+ runs

It is difficult to look beyond India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana as a leading contender for tournament top scorer. Sitting atop the ICC ODI batting rankings, she has enjoyed a prolific 2025, scoring three centuries and three half-centuries in just 13 innings.

Her consistency is remarkable; she averages over 60 this year, and she has shown she can deliver against the toughest opponents, including a match-winning 117 against Australia in September.

Mandhana’s fluent stroke play and ability to adapt to conditions make her India’s batting lynchpin, and with home crowds behind her, she will be expected to pile on the runs.

2. Beth Mooney (Australia)

• Tournament prediction: 600+ runs

Australia’s top order has no shortage of match-winners, but Beth Mooney stands out as their most reliable run machine. She has reached double figures in every ODI this year, a testament to her ability to weather pressure and anchor innings.

Mooney’s joint second-fastest women’s ODI century against India in New Chandigarh underlined her explosiveness when required, while her fifty against England in Hobart highlighted her versatility.

Australia’s dominance in global tournaments has often been underpinned by their batters racking up big totals, and Mooney looks primed to continue that tradition.

Also read: Women’s Cricket World Cup: 10 milestones and memories

3. Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)

• Tournament prediction: 550+ runs

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has built her reputation on being her team’s most dependable batter in moments of crisis. Ranked second in the ICC ODI charts, Sciver-Brunt combines composure with power, often accelerating just when her side needs it most.

She already has four half-centuries this year and will no doubt be central to England’s push in subcontinental conditions. While she doesn’t always open, her presence in the middle order ensures she gets plenty of time at the crease.

If England are to challenge for the trophy, Sciver-Brunt’s bat will almost certainly be leading the way.

4. Tazmin Britz (South Africa)

• Tournament prediction: 500+ runs

South Africa arrive at the World Cup with high hopes, and few players are in better touch than opener Tazmin Britz.

Fresh from back-to-back centuries against Pakistan in a warm-up series, Britz has timed her peak form perfectly. Known for her aggressive intent and ability to dominate the powerplay, she gives South Africa the kind of starts that set the tone for big totals.

While her teammate Marizanne Kapp provides experience in the middle order, Britz’s recent purple patch suggests she could emerge as one of the breakout stars of the tournament. If she maintains her current rhythm, she will be difficult to stop.

5. Sidra Amin (Pakistan)

• Tournament prediction: 450+ runs

Consistency has been the hallmark of Sidra Amin’s 2025. In just seven ODIs this year, she has passed fifty in the majority of her innings, including back-to-back scores of 121* and 122 against South Africa.

At 33, she brings both experience and composure to Pakistan’s batting line-up, often acting as the glue around which others can build. Her ability to convert starts into substantial scores is exactly what Pakistan need in order to progress deep into the competition.

Amin has quietly become one of the most effective openers in the women’s game, and the World Cup stage gives her the perfect platform to prove it.

6. Suzie Bates (New Zealand)

• Tournament prediction: 400+ runs

Few players can match the pedigree of New Zealand veteran Suzie Bates. A stalwart of the White Ferns’ set-up, Bates enters this World Cup as the fifth-highest run scorer in the tournament’s history, with 1,311 runs across multiple editions.

Her experience in big tournaments and her ability to adapt to varying conditions make her invaluable. Though Georgia Plimmer has emerged as a rising force for New Zealand, Bates’ sheer weight of runs over nearly two decades ensures she cannot be overlooked.

She might not be as explosive as in her prime, but her nous, shot selection and game awareness mean she remains one of the most likely candidates to top the run charts.

7. Harshitha Samarawickrama (Sri Lanka)

• Tournament prediction: 350+ runs

The batting hopes of joint hosts Sri Lanka will rest heavily on Harshitha Samarawickrama, who has been her side’s most consistent performer over the past year.

With four half-centuries in 2025, including a decisive 77 against South Africa, Samarawickrama has shown she can stand up against higher-ranked opposition.

At 27, she is entering her peak years and will relish the chance to perform in front of home crowds during the Sri Lankan leg of the competition. While Sri Lanka may not be favourites, players like Samarawickrama can swing matches with their resilience and timing.

If she strings together a series of strong innings, she could emerge as one of the surprise packages among the leading run scorers.

Read next: The perfect Test cricketer based on best drive, best defence and 7 other important features

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Ranked: The top 9 batters in the longstanding Test rivalry between India and West Indies

The West Indies are in India for a two Test series. The men from the Caribbean arrive under severe pressure having just lost a T20I series against Nepal and, before that, being dismissed for the second lowest score in the history of Test cricket.

But it hasn’t always been this tough for the Windies, who have enjoyed many strong performances against India in the past.

As the two sides prepare to face each other in Ahmedabad and Delhi, let’s take a moment to look at which batsmen have scored the most runs in series between these two nations.

What makes for very interesting reading is the fact that big names like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and Virat Kohli do not make it into the top nine.

1. Sunil Gavaskar (India)

• Span: 1971-1983
• Innings: 48
• Runs: 2749
• High score: 236 not out
• Average: 65.45

No batsman is more synonymous with India versus West Indies cricket than Sunil Gavaskar. The original “Little Master” first announced himself to the world in the 1971 tour of the Caribbean, scoring four centuries in his debut series.

Against a West Indies side boasting the likes of Garry Sobers and Rohan Kanhai, Gavaskar displayed remarkable temperament and technique.

He went on to dominate their bowlers for over a decade, piling up 13 centuries in total against them, more than any other batsman has managed in these contests.

His highest score of 236* in Chennai in 1983 was a masterclass in patience and precision. Gavaskar’s success laid the foundation for India’s belief that they could stand up to the mighty Caribbean sides.

2. Clive Lloyd (West Indies)

• Span: 1966-1983
• Innings: 44
• Runs: 2344
• High score: 242 not out
• Average: 58.60

The West Indies’ iconic leader Clive Lloyd was every bit as destructive against India as he was against the rest of the cricketing world. His towering presence at the crease and his ability to dictate terms made him a nightmare for Indian bowlers through the 1970s.

Lloyd’s most famous innings against India came in Mumbai in 1974, when he scored a brutal 242* to set up a dominant win. Over nearly two decades of contests, Lloyd’s consistency was extraordinary.

More than just a run scorer, he embodied the swagger of West Indies cricket, often breaking Indian resistance with sheer power.

3. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies)

• Span: 1994-2013
• Innings: 44
• Runs: 2171
• High score: 140
• Average: 63.85

Few players could make batting look as awkward yet be as effective as Shivnarine Chanderpaul. His crab-like stance belied an unflinching determination, and against India he was relentless.

From his debut series in the mid-1990s right through to his twilight years, Chanderpaul was a thorn in India’s side. He made runs in both home and away conditions, using patience and concentration to blunt Indian spinners while pouncing on anything loose.

His highest score of 140 in Bridgetown in 1997 was a reminder of his ability to anchor an innings. Chanderpaul’s average of 63.85 against India is one of the finest in bilateral Test history.

Chanderpaul’s son, Tagenarine, will be hoping to emulate his father’s run scoring in the upcoming series as he has been named in the Windies squad.

Also read: Rated: 5 of the biggest upsets in international cricket of all time

4. Rahul Dravid (India)

• Span: 1997-2011
• Innings: 38
• Runs: 1978
• High score: 146
• Average: 63.80

Nicknamed “The Wall,” Rahul Dravid built his reputation on being immovable at the crease, and against West Indies he was at his most obdurate.

In the Caribbean in 2002, Dravid carried India’s batting with scores of 100* and 144 in Jamaica and Georgetown, respectively, leading India to their first-ever Test series win on West Indian soil.

He was equally dependable at home, compiling runs with his trademark balance and calm. Dravid’s tally of five centuries against the West Indies was built on technical mastery and a mental resilience that allowed him to absorb pressure before turning the screw.

5. Viv Richards (West Indies)

• Span: 1974-1989
• Innings: 41
• Runs: 1927
• High score: 192 not out
• Average: 50.71

No list of West Indies greats would be complete without Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards. Swaggering to the crease with an aura of dominance, Richards often treated Indian bowling with disdain.

His highest score of 192* in Delhi in 1976 came in a series where he amassed 582 runs at an average of 145. Richards’ ability to counter spin and pace alike meant India rarely had answers when he was in full flow.

Beyond the runs, it was the manner in which he scored them, fearless and authoritative, that left an indelible mark on India–West Indies contests. With eight centuries to his name the only person on this list with more triple-figure scores, is Gavaskar.

6. Garry Sobers (West Indies)

• Span: 1958-1971
• Innings: 30
• Runs: 1920
• High score: 198
• Average: 83.47

Garry Sobers was cricket’s ultimate allrounder, and against India his batting was simply imperious.

Across 18 matches, he scored 1920 runs at a staggering average of 83.47, the highest on this list (although Sir Everton Weekes who made fewer runs in total got his with an average of 106.78).

His versatility allowed him to adapt to any situation: he could grind out runs when the team was in trouble or play attacking strokes to accelerate an innings.

Sobers’ 198 in Kanpur in 1958 remains one of the most elegant innings ever played in India by a visiting batsman. For much of the 1960s, India simply had no answer to his genius.

7. VVS Laxman (India)

• Span: 1997-2011
• Innings: 36
• Runs: 1715
• High score: 176 not out
• Average: 57.16

The silky wrists of VVS Laxman produced some of the most memorable strokes against the West Indies. Laxman always seemed to find an extra gear against Caribbean opposition, scoring five centuries and nine fifties in just 18 matches.

His unbeaten 176 in Kolkata in 2011 was one of his finest knocks, blending patience with effortless timing.

Laxman’s ability to dominate spinners and fast bowlers alike made him invaluable in India-West Indies clashes, often rescuing India from difficult positions.

His calm under pressure and knack for turning matches made him one of the standout performers of his era.

8. Rohan Kanhai (West Indies)

• Span: 1958-1971
• Innings: 28
• Runs: 1693
• High score: 256
• Average: 62.70

Before Richards and Lloyd, there was Rohan Kanhai, the elegant stroke-maker whose unorthodox yet stylish batting thrilled spectators.

Against India, Kanhai was prolific, scoring a double century in Kolkata in 1958 and following it with several match-winning contributions.

His highest score of 256 in Calcutta (as it was then called) remains one of the finest innings by a West Indian in India. Kanhai’s career spanned the transition of West Indies from an emerging side to a dominant force, and his consistency against India underlined his class.

9. Gordon Greenidge (West Indies)

• Span: 1974-1989
• Innings: 39
• Runs: 1678
• High score: 194
• Average: 47.94

Opening the batting against India was rarely straightforward, but Gordon Greenidge’s aggression at the top of the order gave West Indies early dominance.

His 194 in Chennai in 1983 was a brutal innings, mixing power with patience as he dismantled India’s attack.

Greenidge often set the tone for West Indies victories with his partnerships alongside Desmond Haynes, and his runs were vital in maintaining their supremacy during the 1980s.

While his average is lower than others on this list, the impact of his innings was immense.

Read next: Rated: The 7 most underrated all-rounders of all-time

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Rated: 5 best buys and 5 most surprising discards at International League T20 player auction

What happened during 1 October 2025’s International League T20 player auction?

This is the first time the tournament has had a player auction.

Several big names were bought or overlooked.

Who landed big deals?

1. Andre Fletcher: $260,000

Who doesn’t love a bit of ‘The Spiceman’ Andre Fletcher? MI Emirates certainly do and coughed up $260,000 for the West Indian big-hitter, who has plenty of experience during those pivotal opening powerplays when the field is dead set and ripe for sixes.

The team, which is part of the global behemoth that also owns MI Cape Town in the SA20, MI New York in Major League Cricket and Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, want to go all the way again and add to their 2024 ILT20 title. The purchase of Fletcher is a big boost for this.

2. Jordan Thompson: $48,000

We need to talk about Jordan Thompson. Or get left behind. Not yet a graduate to international cricket, Thompson is making a splash at domestic level.

Unfortunate not to get a gig at the SA20, where his name was hot on the lips of a few suitors, Thompson’s ship came in during the ILT20 player auction. He’ll be with MI Emirates as well for $48,000.

Anticipate plenty of big hits from the Yorkshire and Southern Brave all-rounder, who is a handy asset with the ball as well – and has experience in the Pakistan Super League.

3. Jayden Seales: $80,000

Never underestimate the value of specialist bowlers and outright pace in T20 cricket. It’s not all about big-hitting batter, ladies and gentlemen.

The Sharjah Warriorz got this sentiment spot on when they threw $80,000 at Jayden Seales. The West Indies will be challenged by batting-friendly conditions in the UAE, but is among the few bowlers who really know how to extract what’s needed from flat wickets.

4. Liam Dawson: $170,000

“Flight, turn, deception – simply the whole package,” announced the International League T20, as the Gulf Giants nabbed Liam Dawson for $170,000.

Whether this ceases to amaze you or flatters to deceive, we are consistently baffled by Dawson’s ability to prolong his popularity. He’s won an SA20 title with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, he’s earned an England recall after several years in the wilderness – and will now get a go in the UAE with the former champions in the ILT20.

5. Brandon McMullen: $110,000

A tip of the proverbial hat to the Associate nations here. They have increasing representation on the biggest stages with every domestic T20 league these days.

A field previously dominated by big names in small nations such as Rashid Khan now features Brandon McMullen and many others. Ireland’s Josh Little didn’t crack the nod for this one, but Scotland’s hard-hitting McMullen sure did to the tune of $110,000 for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

Who knows? This could even lead to a sweet deal with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League next year. Time will tell. Patience is key. Etc.

Also read: Rated: 5 of the biggest upsets in international cricket of all time

Who went unsold?

1. Ravichandran Ashwin: $0

India‘s Ravichandra Ashwin and England’s James Anderson were among the biggest names to go unsold. Ashwin, who is no longer contracted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, fetched a deal with the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League in Australia recently.

But his popularity in domestic T20 leagues has stopped there for now. Nobody wanted him during the ILT20 player auction – the legendary Indian spinner and underrated all-rounder did not get a single bid.

Several base prices of $10,000 came and went, but Ashwin’s minimum fee of 12 times that amount was just too rich for any of the franchises’ pockets. Next time, mate, next time. Maybe.

2. James Anderson: $0

England‘s James Anderson also went unsold. The same happened to him last month, when he put his hand up for involvement in South Africa’s SA20. Interest in England’s greatest Test wicket-takers is lacking at T20 level.

This, indeed, could be the very end of the England great’s playing career. He has flirted with an extended stay with gigs in the T20 Blast and The Hundred, but runways is running out for the 43-year-old.

3. Shakib Al Hasan: $0

Another big name that went unsold at the ILT20 player auction was Shakib Al Hasan. There’s a pattern developing for the Bangladesh all-rounder, who was top billing for the SA20 auction but ultimately wasn’t even mentioned during the event.

Capable of winning matches almost singlehandedly with bat or ball, Al Hasan is prone to injury lately and doesn’t seem as committed to the cause as much as he used to be. Franchises are evidently picking up on this when overlooking him.

4. Temba Bavuma: $0

Spare a thought, if you would, for Temba Bavuma. South Africa‘s Test and ODI captain must be finding it hard to ward off a complex about not being good enough on the international stage.

Yes, he has won a World Test Championship title, which will bring its own riches, but unlikely at the level offered by big paydays in the United Arab Emirates. Bavuma, too, didn’t get a deal at the SA20 player auction last month. Moving along swiftly, then.

5. David Wiese: $0

Dare we suggest this or that franchise missed a trick in not going for David Wiese? The cosmopolitan all-rounder has international experience for two countries – South Africa and Namibia – and is a household name on the global T20 circuit.

Wiese was in the Caribbean Premier League recently and – get this – has played more than 400 T20s at professional level. You can’t buy that level of experience. Actually, you can, but nobody did this time.

Read next: Rated: The 7 most underrated all-rounders of all-time

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Women’s Cricket World Cup: 10 milestones and memories

As the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s World Cup arrives, it is worth reflecting on how far the tournament has come since its unlikely beginnings in 1973.

What started as a bold idea devised in a Wolverhampton living room is now a global sporting event drawing millions of viewers and showcasing some of the best talent in world cricket.

Let’s take a moment to chart the story of the Women’s Cricket World Cup through its most significant editions and moments.

1. The pioneering first edition: England 1973

The Women’s World Cup predates the men’s by two years, thanks to the vision of businessman Jack Hayward (who is most famous for his role as owner and chairman of football club Wolverhampton Wanderers) and England captain Rachael Heyhoe Flint.

Together they devised the tournament, with Flint also leading her team on the field.

Seven teams competed in the inaugural event, including a “Young England” side and an International XI. Matches were played over 60 overs rather than today’s 50, and the champion was decided by a league table.

The decisive clash came in the final round-robin game, when Enid Bakewell’s majestic 118 carried England to victory over Australia. The home side sealed the title by three points to bring the curtain down on what was a landmark moment for women’s sport.

2. India joins the stage: India 1978

Four years later the World Cup moved to the subcontinent, with India making their debut as hosts.

Tens of thousands of fans packed into Hyderabad to watch Australia dethrone England in what was effectively a winner-takes-all final.

Though limited to just four competing nations – Australia, England, New Zealand and India – the event marked an important step. It showed women’s cricket could attract mass audiences in Asia, a region that would become central to the game’s growth.

3. A proper final arrives: New Zealand, 1982

For the first time, the World Cup featured a final. New Zealand hosted, with five teams including an International XI taking part.

The title match pitted unbeaten Australia against holders England. In a gripping contest, Australia prevailed by three wickets with just 11 balls to spare, cementing their status as the dominant force of the era.

The structure of having a true final would endure, giving the competition greater spectacle and clarity.

4. Australia’s dynasty and England’s resurgence: 1988 and 1993

Australia defended their crown in 1988, again defeating England in the final. Yet five years later, they stumbled.

The 1993 edition in England expanded to eight teams, with Denmark and the West Indies debuting alongside the Netherlands and Ireland.

In a tournament that broadened cricket’s reach, it was England who lifted the trophy on home soil, thanks to Jan Brittin’s composed 48 in the final at Lord’s.

Australia’s first failure to reach the final showed that the balance of power, while tilted, was not absolute.

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5. Expansion and professionalism: India, 1997

By 1997, the Women’s World Cup had grown dramatically. Eleven teams took part, with Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa joining for the first time. The format included quarterfinals, semi-finals and a grand final – a format that echoed the men’s World Cup.

Australia reasserted themselves, defeating New Zealand comfortably to reclaim the title. Yet the expansion was the real story. Women’s cricket was now a truly global competition, with full-member nations across three continents competing on equal terms.

6. New Zealand’s moment: 2000

On home soil, New Zealand finally had their crowning moment. In a tense Auckland final, they edged Australia by just four runs to claim their first and only World Cup to date.

The tournament also saw a shift to 50 overs per side, aligning the women’s format with the men’s. It was another step toward professionalism, consistency and recognition for the women’s game.

7. India’s rise and Australia’s dominance: 2005 to 2013

South Africa hosted the 2005 World Cup, marking the tournament’s first appearance on African soil. India reached their maiden final, only to be undone by Karen Rolton’s commanding unbeaten 107 as Australia won by 98 runs.

From there, the trophy see-sawed between Australia and England. In 2009, England, led by Charlotte Edwards and inspired by Claire Taylor’s brilliance, defeated Australia to claim their third crown.

But in 2013, Australia was back on top, beating West Indies, who had reached their first final, in Mumbai.

These years highlighted both Australia’s sustained excellence and the growing depth of competition, with India and West Indies breaking through to the latter stages.

8. A modern classic: England, 2017

Perhaps the most dramatic final in the tournament’s history came at Lord’s in 2017. England, roared on by a packed crowd, overcame India in a nerve-shredding finish.

Set 229 to win, India looked favourites before collapsing under pressure. Anya Shrubsole’s extraordinary six for 46 sealed victory, including the wicket of Rajeshwari Gayakwad to spark jubilant celebrations.

The match was watched by over 180 million people worldwide and is widely credited with turbocharging the profile of women’s cricket in England and beyond.

9. Australia’s seventh heaven: New Zealand, 2022

By 2022, the World Cup was a global spectacle streamed to millions. Bangladesh made their debut, underlining the competition’s continued expansion.

Australia, once again, proved irresistible. In the final in Christchurch, Alyssa Healy played one of the great World Cup innings – 170 from 138 balls – to set a record for the highest score in any final, men’s or women’s.

Australia beat England comfortably to secure their seventh title, underlining their status as the most successful side in women’s cricket history.

10. Looking ahead: Sri Lanka and India, 2025

The latest chapter in this key event in women’s sport will see India and Sri Lanka co-host for the first time, with the subcontinent again taking centre stage. For Australia, the challenge is to defend their crown, something they have not achieved since 1988.

With South Africa resurgent, England rebuilding, and India desperate to convert promise and home ground advantage into silverware, the 2025 tournament promises both quality and unpredictability.

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Rated: The 7 most underrated all-rounders of all-time

All-rounders have always been the glue that holds a cricket team together.

They are the players who can change the game with bat or ball, often stepping into difficult moments and providing balance where it is most needed.

Yet, while names like Jacques Kallis, Kapil Dev and Ben Stokes dominate conversations about all-round greatness, there exists another group of players who never quite received the credit their performances merited.

Some played in eras of giants, others were victims of circumstance, and some were simply taken for granted.

 Let’s take a look at seven of the most underrated all-rounders in the game’s history.

1. Chris Woakes (England)

• Rating as all-rounder: 8 out of 10

Woakes has long been labelled “Mr Dependable” in English cricket, but that reliability has perhaps diminished recognition of his quality. His Test record is outstanding: over 100 wickets at an average in the low 20s and more than 1,500 runs at better than 27.

With a smooth action and the ability to swing the new ball both ways, Chris Woakes has produced match-winning spells, particularly at Lord’s and Edgbaston.

He is also a clean striker with the bat, capable of rescuing innings from difficult situations.

The “nice guy” tag and his relative lack of pace compared with some of his contemporaries (Jofra Archer amongst others) may have masked his value, but few modern cricketers offered such balance across formats.

Having confirmed his retirement from international cricket his presence will be sorely missed.

2. Adrian Kuiper (South Africa)

• Rating as all-rounder: 8 out of 10

For South African fans of the early 1990s, Kuiper was the original “finisher” before the role was fashionable.

Known as the “poor man’s Ian Botham”, he had the knack of hitting the ball miles and chipping in with useful medium pace.

Kuiper’s international career was brief; it was limited by South Africa’s return from isolation and his own age by then, but in domestic cricket he was a talisman.

He brought a fearlessness that helped shape South Africa’s early one-day style.

Overshadowed by the emergence of Hansie Cronje and later Jacques Kallis, Kuiper deserves to be remembered as one of the game’s most effective short-format all-rounders of his generation.

There is a whole generation of Cape Town youngsters (Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs undoubtedly among them) who modelled their game around the Elgin apple farmer.

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3. Steve Tikolo (Kenya)

• Rating as all-rounder: 7 out of 10

Few players have carried the hopes of an entire nation the way Steve Tikolo did for Kenya. For over a decade, Tikolo was their heartbeat: captain, middle-order rock and a reliable off-spin option.

His batting was elegant, marked by timing and placement rather than brute force, while his bowling offered crucial breakthroughs.

Tikolo’s influence was most evident in Kenya’s 2003 World Cup run to the semi-finals, where his calm leadership inspired one of cricket’s great underdog stories.

He rarely faced the world’s best outside of ICC tournaments, which hurt his reputation, but among his peers he was widely respected as an all-rounder who could have thrived in any Test nation.

Many experts will still suggest that Tikolo is quite possibly the best player never to have played a Test.

4. Carl Hooper (West Indies)

• Rating as all-rounder: 7 out of 10

Gifted and graceful, Carl Hooper was often criticised for not living up to his immense potential. Yet beneath the languid style lay a highly effective allrounder for the West Indies.

With over 5,700 Test runs and 114 wickets, plus nearly 200 ODI scalps, Hooper provided balance to West Indies sides in transition. His off-spin, often underplayed, was vital in one-day cricket where he could stem the flow of runs.

What made Hooper underrated was perhaps the shadow of contemporaries like Brian Lara and Curtly Ambrose; his quieter contributions were easy to miss. For those who watched closely, however, Hooper was the definition of a complete cricketer.

5. Franklyn Stephenson (West Indies)

• Rating as all-rounder: 6 out of 10

Stephenson remains one of cricket’s great “what ifs.” A talented fast-bowling all-rounder, his international career was cut short due to participation in the Rebel Tours to South Africa during the Apartheid era.

Denied the chance to represent West Indies at the highest level, Stephenson became a legend in domestic cricket both in South Africa and in England.

He pioneered the slower-ball bouncer and produced remarkable double feats in county cricket, including the rare achievement of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in a season for Nottinghamshire in 1991.

His absence from international cricket is one of the sport’s enduring injustices, but those who saw him know he was a complete package: pace, control and lower order hitting power.

6. Chris Harris (New Zealand)

• Rating as all-rounder: 6 out of 10

Chris Harris was never flashy, but he was endlessly useful. A reliable one-day performer for New Zealand through the 1990s and early 2000s, Harris offered skiddy medium-pace that was deceptively hard to score off, coupled with gritty batting down the order.

His 250 ODI wickets and over 4,000 runs testify to his longevity and value. Harris’s all-round skills often went unnoticed in an era dominated by big names, but New Zealand’s ability to punch above their weight in limited-overs cricket owed much to his presence.

He was also a brilliant fielder, making him a genuine three-dimensional cricketer before the term became common.

7. Ravichandran Ashwin (India)

• Rating as all-rounder: 6 out of 10

Ashwin’s Test record with the ball of over 500 wickets, makes him one of the greatest spinners of the modern era. But his batting is frequently overlooked.

With five Test centuries and an average in the high 20s, Ashwin is more than capable of holding his own against the best. At his peak, he batted as high as No. 6, scoring crucial runs in tough conditions, particularly in India.

His skill with the willow has often been overshadowed by his bowling brilliance, but Ashwin embodies the essence of the underrated all-rounder: never fully recognised for the breadth of his contribution.

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England’s most underrated all-rounder retires from international cricket

England all-rounder Chris Woakes retired from international cricket in September 2025.

More to follow…

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