WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants Retain Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney; Release Harleen Deol

WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants Retain Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney, Release Harleen Deol

The Gujarat Giants announced on Thursday that they have retained Australian players Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney ahead of the 2026 WPL mega auction. The team is owned by Adani Sportsline.

Player Performances and Retentions

Head coach Michael Klinger praised the two, highlighting qualities that align with the team’s playing style. Ashleigh Gardner captained the Gujarat Giants in WPL 2025, scoring 243 runs in nine innings with a strike rate of 164. She hit 18 sixes, the highest by any batter in the tournament, and also took eight wickets with an economy rate of eight.

Beth Mooney contributed 237 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 128, including two half-centuries during the 2025 season.

"We played an exciting brand of cricket last season, and while parting ways with some players is always tough, it's part of the league's evolution. We've retained two strong players who reflect our playing ethos, and we're eager to add fresh energy at the auction to take the team forward," said head coach Michael Klinger.

Financial Details and Upcoming Plans

The retentions came with Ashleigh Gardner priced at INR 3.5 crore and Beth Mooney at INR 2.5 crore. This follows the franchise's first-ever playoff appearance in the 2025 WPL season.

The team now plans to fill 16 slots at the upcoming mega auction in New Delhi later this month.

"With the first-ever mega auction for the WPL, we are entering an exciting new phase for women's cricket."

The Gujarat Giants aim to build on their successful season while refreshing the squad through the auction.

Author’s summary: Gujarat Giants retain key Australian players Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney ahead of the 2026 WPL mega auction, building on their maiden playoff success and preparing to strengthen their squad further.

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NDTV Sports NDTV Sports — 2025-11-07

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