Post by : Meena Ariff

In a shocking turn of events for cricket enthusiasts, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) team UP Warriorz has let go of India’s remarkable all-rounder Deepti Sharma just before the 2025 auction. This decision follows her outstanding display at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, where she was instrumental in India's success and clinched the Player of the Series title.

A Commanding World Cup Performance

Deepti Sharma emerged as a key player during India’s World Cup journey. The 28-year-old showcased her skills by becoming the tournament's top wicket-taker while also delivering vital runs in the middle order. Her finest performance came in the final against South Africa, where she took 5 wickets for 39 runs and scored 58 runs, securing a historic victory for India.

Her consistent excellence affirmed her status among the elite cricketers in women’s cricket today.

Unexpected Move from UP Warriorz

Despite her stellar contributions, UP Warriorz made the unexpected choice to release Deepti ahead of the player auction. The announcement was part of the franchise's reveal regarding retained and released players, and it sparked widespread discussion within the cricket community.

Head coach Abhishek Nayar spoke about the decision, emphasizing the need for a tactical reset. “Retaining players is a tough task, especially with the wealth of talent we have,” Nayar shared. “Our intent is to start afresh and keep as much budget as possible, allowing us the flexibility to target players who can lead us to the championship, possibly including bringing some back during the auction.”

Shifting Focus from Past Achievements

This isn’t Deepti’s first memorable run in franchise cricket; she had previously earned the Player of the Tournament title in the 2024 WPL season while leading UP Warriorz both with bat and ball. Known for her leadership and composure under pressure, she stood out as a crucial player in the league.

However, recent strategic shifts within the team have led them to retain just Shweta Sehrawat, a former Under-19 World Cup champion, indicating a pivot toward a younger team and long-term growth.

Nayar acknowledged the challenge of this decision, stating, “It’s always difficult to make such calls. We believe in our process, right or wrong, and our objective is to assemble the best team possible with a full budget.”

Deepti Sharma’s unexpected release sets the stage for an exciting WPL 2025 auction, where she's predicted to attract interest from multiple teams eager to add her talent to their roster.

Experts suggest her all-round capabilities and proven success on international platforms will make her a coveted player. Whether she re-signs with UP Warriorz or finds a new home, Deepti’s impact will certainly enhance any team she joins.

This episode underscores the importance of financial strategy and team realignment in contemporary women’s franchise cricket. As teams pursue long-term stability and flexibility, even star players face difficult career decisions.

For Deepti, the upcoming weeks are pivotal. Her exceptional skills and leadership abilities solidify her as one of India's premier cricket figures, with her journey in the sport far from complete.

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