Deepti Sharma to Join Melbourne Stars, Reuniting with Meg Lanning After Hundred Success
In a major move, Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma has been selected as the first pick by the Melbourne Stars in the second edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) overseas draft. Deepti recently played alongside the Stars’ captain Meg Lanning for the title-winning London Spirit team in the women’s Hundred competition.
Jemimah Rodrigues, another Indian star, was selected by the Brisbane Heat as their first pick, reuniting with her Delhi Capitals and Trinbago Knight Riders teammate Jess Jonassen. Meanwhile, the Melbourne Renegades opted for the experienced West Indian all-rounder Deandra Dottin in the platinum category, as they also allocated a gold category spot for their pre-signed player Hayley Matthews.
The presence of six Indian cricketers across different WBBL franchises highlights the growing global appeal and talent pool in women’s cricket.
Shikha Pandey and Yastika Bhatia were also drafted by the Heat and Stars, respectively, further strengthening the Indian contingent in the league.
Notably, the Adelaide Strikers selected the young Irish all-rounder Orla Prendergast as their third-round pick, with captain Tahlia McGrath praising her as a “superstar” with immense potential. The Strikers also have the services of South African batter Laura Wolvaardt, who was retained, and India’s Smriti Mandhana, who was pre-signed.
The WBBL continues to attract top international talent, with the likes of Sophie Ecclestone (Sydney Sixers), Heather Knight (Sydney Thunder), and Sophie Devine (Perth Scorchers) also set to feature in the upcoming season.
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