There have been several rags to riches story in the history of Indian Premier League (IPL) as franchises splurged big on local talents. In the first-ever Women Premier League (WPL) auction, there were a few such stories as well. Jammu & Kashmir’s hard-hitter Jasia Akhtar’s story also falls in the same category.
The 34-year-old is now gearing up to showcase her talent if she gets a chance to play in Delhi Capitals (DC) campaign opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 5 at Brabourne Stadium. Few days ahead of the clash, Jasia recalled when she was picked in the auction for Rs 20 lakh.
"I switched off the TV when my name came up in the WPL auction. I switched off my phone for 15 minutes as well," the 34-year-old said in a DC press release.
"I got a call from my brother after I switched on my phone and he told me that I had been picked by Delhi Capitals. I didn't believe him, but then I spoke with my parents and they were very excited. I felt proud after being taken by such a big franchise. I am excited to play with Meg Lanning and Marizanne Kapp."
Last year, Jasia made headlines when she smashed an unbeaten 36-ball 56 for India D in Senior Women's T20 Challenger Trophy. She also scored 38-ball 47 in the final to help Sneh Rana-led side win the final against Poonam Yadav-led India A.
"She was mad about cricket right from childhood. When we used to study, she would go out to play," Jasia’s cousin Khushnuma had told PTI after the auction.
Australia’s T20 World Cup 2023-winning captain Meg Lanning is likely to lead DC in WPL 2023. It will be interesting to see if Jasia opens alongside Shafali Verma or warms the benches and waits for a chance.
DC squad: Jemimah Rodrigues, Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, Radha Yadav, Shikha Pandey, Marizanne Kapp, Titas Sadhu, Alice Capsey, Tara Norris, Laura Harris, Jasia Akhter, Minnu Mani, Jess Jonassen, Taniyaa Bhatia, Poonam Yadav, Sneha Deepthi, Arundhati Reddy, Aparna Mondal
