On December 11, 2024, it was announced that Mithali Raj had parted ways with the Gujarat Giants ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction for the 2025 season. Mithali, who served as a mentor and advisor for the franchise in the first two editions of the WPL, decided to take up a new role with the Andhra Cricket Association. This decision came after the Giants finished at the bottom of the points table in both seasons.
The franchise also released Nooshin Al Khadeer, who served as their bowling coach on a two-year contract. Al Khadeer is currently the head coach of the India Under-19 Women’s team. Despite the changes, the Giants have retained head coach Michael Klinger and fielding coach Carl Hopkinson for the upcoming season.
Gujarat Giants Ahead of WPL Auction
With the highest purse of INR 4.40 crore among all five teams, Gujarat Giants are keen on securing top players at the auction scheduled for December 15, 2024, in Bengaluru. The franchise has retained key players like Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Laura Wolvaardt, Dayalan Hemalatha, Tanuja Kanwer, Shabnam Shakil, Phoebe Litchfield, Priya Mishra, Trisha Poojitha, Mannat Kashyap, Meghna Singh, and Kashvee Gautam. However, they have released players like Sneh Rana, Kathryn Bryce, Veda Krishnamurthy, Tarannum Pathan, Lea Tahuhu, and Trisha Poojitha.
🚨 JUST IN: 🚨
Mithali Raj part ways with Gujarat Giants.
She was initially signed for three years by the franchise, but the partnership has ended after only two seasons.#CricketTwitter via: Cricbuzz pic.twitter.com/K7BqCJz9wa
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 11, 2024
The departure of Mithali Raj marks a significant change for the Gujarat Giants as they look to rebuild and improve their performance in the upcoming season.
