Former Indian cricket captain Anjum Chopra has made a bold prediction about England's star spinner Sophie Ecclestone, stating that the left-arm bowler will command an enormous price tag when she becomes available for the Women's Premier League auction in 2026. The revelation came during an exclusive discussion about the evolving landscape of women's cricket and the growing financial power of franchise tournaments.
The Ecclestone Factor in Women's Cricket
According to Chopra, Sophie Ecclestone's unavailability for the upcoming WPL seasons makes her an even more valuable asset for the future. The England and Wales Cricket Board's decision to restrict their centrally contracted players from participating in the 2024 edition has created significant anticipation for when these international stars eventually enter the auction pool.
Ecclestone, currently ranked as the world's number one T20I bowler, represents exactly the kind of premium talent that franchise owners are willing to break the bank for. Her impressive track record includes 102 wickets in 70 T20 internationals at an outstanding economy rate of 5.78. These statistics, combined with her match-winning abilities, position her as one of the most sought-after players in women's cricket globally.
Market Dynamics and Player Valuation
Chopra emphasized that the financial landscape of women's cricket has transformed dramatically since the inception of WPL. The inaugural 2023 season saw Smriti Mandhana become the most expensive player at ₹3.4 crore, followed closely by Ashleigh Gardner at ₹3.2 crore. However, Chopra believes these numbers will be substantially exceeded when elite international players like Ecclestone become available.
The former captain explained several factors driving this valuation surge:
- Proven match-winner status in international cricket
- Limited availability of world-class spinners
- Growing franchise budgets and competitive bidding
- Strategic importance of quality spin bowling in Indian conditions
Chopra specifically noted that Ecclestone's ability to bowl during powerplay and death overs makes her an invaluable asset in the T20 format. Her unique skill set allows captains to use her flexibly across different phases of the game, something that franchise coaches highly prize when building their squads.
Broader Implications for Women's Cricket
The discussion also touched upon the wider impact of WPL on global women's cricket economics. The tournament has not only provided Indian domestic players with unprecedented financial opportunities but has also created a competitive market for international stars. This development signals a significant shift in how women cricketers are valued and compensated worldwide.
Chopra pointed out that the 2026 WPL auction could set new benchmarks for player valuations, with Ecclestone potentially leading this financial revolution. The timing coincides with when several other top English and Australian players might become available, creating a perfect storm for competitive bidding among franchise owners.
The evolution of women's cricket economics reflects the sport's growing commercial viability and fan following. As Chopra aptly summarized, the days when women cricketers were undervalued are rapidly disappearing, replaced by an era where exceptional talent commands exceptional compensation.
This prediction comes at a time when women's franchise cricket is expanding globally, with tournaments in England and Australia also gaining prominence. However, the financial muscle of the Indian market, demonstrated through WPL, continues to set the pace for player compensation and commercial growth in women's cricket.
