Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen has officially pulled out of the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction after failing to recover fully from an injury. Franchises were informed of her withdrawal during the pre-auction briefing held on Wednesday, just days before the bidding begins.
Jonassen’s exit comes as a setback for teams searching for proven overseas all-rounders. The 33-year-old has been one of the most impactful performers in WPL history, consistently delivering with both bat and ball. However, a lingering shoulder issue—one she has been managing for a considerable period—has forced her to prioritize recovery over participation in the auction.
The WPL has also flagged fitness concerns surrounding three Indian players whose names remain in the auction pool: batter Pratika Rawal, wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia, and seamer VJ Joshitha. While franchises can bid for them, the league has clarified that none of these players can be included in the mandatory 15-member squad due to injury. Importantly, teams will not be permitted to sign replacements if they pick any of these players, adding a layer of risk to auction strategy.
In terms of base prices, Rawal has entered the auction with a reserve of INR 50 lakh, while Bhatia has set hers at INR 30 lakh. Joshitha, the youngest of the trio, will be available from a base price of INR 10 lakh. These figures may tempt franchises looking to invest in future potential, but the lack of replacement options could deter aggressive bidding.
Another name under scrutiny is India fast-bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar. The WPL has informed teams that Vastrakar is not fully fit, although she will still go under the hammer with a base price of INR 50 lakh. In contrast, young pacer Kashvee Gautam has been declared fit and will be available at a base price of INR 30 lakh, potentially boosting her demand.
Jonassen’s absence will be keenly felt given her remarkable WPL record. She has claimed five Player-of-the-Match awards in the league—second only to Harmanpreet Kaur, who leads the tally with seven. Her ability to influence games at crucial moments made her one of the most dependable overseas picks in previous seasons.
Looking ahead to the WPL 2026 auction, the marquee set promises high-profile bidding wars. International stars Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Amelia Kerr, and Laura Wolvaardt will headline the overseas contingent. Among Indian players, all-rounder Deepti Sharma and fast bowler Renuka Singh are the two marquee names set to attract strong interest.
As franchises finalize their auction plans, fitness updates and availability are clearly shaping strategies. With Jonassen sidelined and several players carrying injury clouds, teams will need to balance star power with reliability as they build squads for the next WPL season.
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