Women’s T20 League 2023: 3 Players who might not feature in the tournament again

The inaugural edition of the Women’s T20 League is at its business end as we have two finalists who will participate in the summit clash. In the finals on Sunday, Harmanpreet Kaur led-Mumbai will take on Meg Lanning led-Delhi at the Brabourne Stadium. This season has been exceptional for women’s cricket as many young players capitalized on the opportunity to make their name. However, this season might also be an end road for some players due to various reasons. Today in this article we will discuss those three players who might not feature in an upcoming edition of the Women’s T20 League.

3. Shikha Pandey

Star India pacer Shikha Pandey has been amazing for UP in the inaugural edition of the Women’s T20 League. A former Indian Air Force officer had a surprising comeback in the recently concluded Women’s 20-20 World Cup. After being dropped from the national team in 2021 Shikha made an amazing comeback during the World Cup and shined with the ball.

Talking about the Women’s T20 League Shikha was roped in by Delhi for a sum of INR 60 Lakh. She has played all eight games for Delhi and has been great with the bowl. She had clinched 10 wickets and played a crucial role in the teams’ success. Although, the finals of the Women’s T20 League might be her last outing. The 33-year-old pacer might retire from cricket soon and that can be the end of her journey in the league.

2. Dane Van Niekerk

Dane Van Niekerk is one of the greatest all-rounders in Women’s cricket. The former South Africa captain has been phenomenal for her team. She has clinched more than 200 wickets and scored more than 4000 runs for South Africa. However, the 29-year-old South African didn’t have a great time in recent months. She has been controversially dropped from the national team before the Women’s 20-20 World Cup in February 2023.

South Africa cricket board informed that the former skipper failed to meet the required fitness standards and hence lost her place in the World Cup Squad. Following this issue, Van Niekerk announced her retirement from international cricket on March 16. Now, talking about her future in the Women’s T20 League it seems she is going to miss the cash-rich tournament.

She has been roped in by Bangalore ahead of the season and didn’t feature in any game for them. This could be enough to signify her future in the league. Van Niekerk might not play in the future Women’s T20 league.

1. Shabnim Ismail

Another South African on the list is star pacer, Shabnim Ismail. Ismail made her debut for South Africa way back in 2007 and has been an integral part of the proteas team. Although her career was full of controversy as she was suspended from the national team in 2014 after Alcohol gate. However, she made a great comeback and is part of the team since then.

Talking about her Women’s T20 League future she might miss out on the league after this season. UP roped in her for the inaugural edition of the tournament but she failed to impress the fans. In three games she just took three wickets and didn’t capitalize on the opportunity well. Age is also a factor working against her as she is the oldest player playing in this league.