Australia’s left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen has pulled out of the WPL 2026 mega auction citing shoulder injury concerns.
Australian all-rounder ruled out due to persistent shoulder injury; Pooja Vastrakar partially fit, marquee players dominate bidding in reshaped WPL 2026 auction.
Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen has withdrawn from the WPL 2026 mega auction due to a shoulder injury, sources confirm. With India’s Pooja Vastrakar partially fit and Yastika Bhatia unavailable, franchises are scrambling to adjust strategies. Marquee players like Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, and Amelia Kerr are now expected to dominate early bidding, reshaping the competitive landscape.
Key Updates Before the WPL 2026 Auction
Jess Jonassen ruled out due to a persistent shoulder injury.
Pooja Vastrakar partially fit but will still feature in the auction.
Yastika Bhatia unavailable due to injury concerns.
Marquee players like Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Amelia Kerr, and Laura Wolvaardt to open bidding.
Franchises adjusting strategies ahead of the auction as injuries reshape the player pool.
Melbourne, Australia (Star Struck Times) — Australian cricket fans received a major shock on Wednesday as Jess Jonassen, one of the most impactful all-rounders in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), announced she will withdraw from the 2026 auction due to a lingering shoulder injury. The announcement, made during a pre-auction briefing with all franchises, left strategists scrambling to rethink their squad selections.
The 33-year-old Jonassen, who has five Player-of-the-Match awards in the WPL — trailing only Harmanpreet Kaur’s seven — has been managing her shoulder issue for months. WPL officials confirmed she will not be part of the mandatory 15-player squad, meaning no team can select her as a replacement.
In addition to Jonassen, the auction pool faces several injury concerns. Wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia, fast bowler VJ Joshitha, and India’s Pratika Rawal are flagged as unavailable despite being listed. Pooja Vastrakar, although not fully fit, will still feature, while Kashvee Gautam has been declared fully fit — offering franchises at least one reliable option.
Fans and analysts reacted swiftly on social media. One user tweeted, “Jonassen’s absence will leave a huge gap in the WPL. Hope she recovers soon — it’s a major blow for teams relying on her all-round skills.” Another fan remarked, “The auction just got unpredictable! Pooja Vastrakar being partially fit adds another twist.”
Jonassen’s presence in the WPL has consistently turned matches around, making her one of the most sought-after players. Her exit has amplified interest in marquee players like Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Amelia Kerr, and Laura Wolvaardt, all expected to open bidding. India’s Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh remain marquee Indian players up for grabs, ensuring intense competition between domestic and international talents.
Franchises now face tough strategic decisions. “We were planning to bid for Jonassen, but now we need a backup strategy,” said a franchise representative, requesting anonymity. The uncertainty surrounding Pooja Vastrakar and other injured players further complicates selections, underlining the growing importance of injury management in women’s cricket.
Despite setbacks, the WPL 2026 auction promises high drama. Analysts predict aggressive bidding wars for remaining marquee players and fitness-confirmed talents. For fans, the auction is more than player selection — it’s a test of resilience, strategy, and tactical brilliance.
FAQs
Q: Why did Jess Jonassen pull out of the WPL 2026 auction? A: Jonassen is recovering from a shoulder injury and is unavailable for squad inclusion.
Q: Are other players injured for the WPL auction? A: Yes — Yastika Bhatia, Pratika Rawal, VJ Joshitha, and Pooja Vastrakar have injury concerns. Only Kashvee Gautam is fully fit.
Q: How does Jonassen’s withdrawal affect the auction? A: Teams must adjust strategies as she cannot be included in the mandatory 15-player squad, shifting bidding priorities.
Q: Who are the marquee players in the WPL 2026 auction? A: Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Amelia Kerr, Laura Wolvaardt, Deepti Sharma, and Renuka Singh.
Q: Where can I follow live updates on the WPL auction? A: Updates will be available on the WPL official website and verified cricket news portals.
Who do you think will be the surprise pick in the WPL 2026 auction? Share your predictions in the comments below and join the discussion with fellow cricket fans!
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