Aussie stars will take time at World Cup to watch massive WPL player auction in India

With the first-ever Women’s Premier League T20 in India set to hand out six-figure salaries, the Aussies have their fingers and toes crossed.

There’s certain to be at least one watch party during the T20 World Cup in South Africa, with Australia’s superstar squad “crossing fingers and toes” their names will be called in the very first Women’s Premier League draft.

With 35 international player spots open, seven for each of the five new teams, there’s every chance all the best Aussies will get a gig via the player auction, with massive pay packets up for grabs.

However, spin star Jess Jonassen says that won’t lessen the nerves for everyone wanting to be involved in the potentially life-changing event.

The five WPL franchises were confirmed this week, with investors shelling out more than $800 million to get involved in a tournament which could change the landscape of women’s cricket forever.

“It’s going to be huge; it’s going to completely change the landscape of women’s cricket globally,” Jonassen, who is the number-two-ranked T20 bowler in the world and sure to be picked up, said on Friday.

“Looking at the sheer amount of investment which has been put in to it … the amount of money each franchise went for, that a women’s premier league outbid the first men’s IPL, is something that is really exciting.

Australia’s Jess Jonassen should get a WPL spot. Picture: Sanka Vidanagama / AFP

“I know a lot of players within our team, but also globally will be crossing their fingers and toes and everything wanting to be a part of this first edition.”

Each team is set to have a salary cap of at least $2 million to spread between 15 players, ensuring six-figure salaries for most, dwarfing what the Australians make in the WBBL.

Details of the player auction are yet to be conformed, but it’s set to be in February, during the T20 World Cup, putting a premium on performances for everyone before the tournament is played in March.

“Five teams is a bit challenging when there are so few international spots up for grabs,” Jonassen said ahead of Australia’s third T20 against Pakistan in Canberra on Sunday before they head to the World Cup.

“Hopefully they’ll see the success of this first year and ramp up those teams. There is that depth not only in India but globally and it’s a competition everyone wants to be a part of.

“It’s going to be interesting; there might be a few watch parties during the World Cup in South Africa. It will be pretty exciting, something we have never been a part of before.”

Grace Harris’ involvement in the WPL should be a certainty. Picture: Tim Hunter

Despite boasting teammates including the world’s number-one and number-two ranked batters, Tahlia McGrath and Beth Mooney, as well as the number-one-ranked all-rounder in Ash Gardner, Jonassen went left-field with her choice for the first-picked Aussie.

“I’d have to say Grace Harris,” Jonassen said, picking the big-hitting star who is in the Aussie squad.

“She’s dynamic on the field, but equally adds a lot of character and a lot of value off it. I love having her part of a team I am involved in.”

Originally published as Aussie stars will take time at World Cup to watch massive WPL player auction in India