West Indies all-rounders Chinelle Henry and Deandra Dottin were among the players secured during the first-ever Women’s Hundred player auction held yesterday.
Henry, 30, attracted strong interest early in the proceedings. Entering the auction with a base price of £27,500, she was snapped up by MI London for £70,000 in the opening round. The Jamaican all-rounder is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic players in the West Indies set-up, known for her explosive lower-order batting and energetic medium-pace bowling. Her ability to score quick runs and chip in with key wickets has made her a valuable match-winner in the T20 format.
Henry will also link up with her West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, who was retained by the franchise at the tournament’s top salary band of £120,000.
Meanwhile, experienced West Indies star Dottin, who represented Manchester Originals last season, secured a new deal after being selected by London Spirit for £37,500. Widely regarded as one of the most powerful hitters in women’s cricket, Dottin made history in 2010 when she smashed the first century in Women’s T20 Internationals, reaching the milestone in just 38 balls.
Elsewhere in the auction, two international standouts commanded the biggest paydays of the day. New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine and Australian wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney each secured deals worth £210,000.
Devine will represent Welsh Fire as she enters the latter phase of her career at age 36, having stepped down as New Zealand’s T20 captain after leading the side to the 2024 World Cup title and retiring from One-Day Internationals later that year.
Mooney, meanwhile, was the subject of a bidding battle between Trent Rockets and Manchester Super Giants, with the Rockets ultimately securing the services of the prolific batter and wicketkeeper.
One of the biggest surprises of the auction came when England all-rounder Dani Gibson was snapped up by Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000.
