A significant setback looms for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) women’s team as they approach the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024. England captain Heather Knight has withdrawn from the upcoming edition of the league.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) women’s team has encountered a significant setback ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, as Heather Knight, who played a pivotal role for the team last year, has withdrawn. Despite the team’s challenging performance in the previous season, Knight emerged as a standout player, contributing both with the bat and ball.
In the previous edition, Heather Knight participated in 8 games for RCB, scoring 135 runs at a striking rate of over 140. Notably, she also showcased her bowling prowess by taking 4 wickets in as many innings at an average of approximately 19 and a striking rate of 10.50. Her absence is expected to create a significant void for RCB in WPL 2024, considering the balance she brought to the team with her all-around skills and experience.
While the official reason for Knight’s withdrawal from WPL 2024 remains unconfirmed, speculation suggests it may be due to national commitments. Reports indicate that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has mandated players to choose between participating in WPL or representing the national side. England women are scheduled to play a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, coinciding with WPL. Players staying in India during WPL won’t be considered for the first three games of the New Zealand series.
It is presumed that Heather Knight opted out of WPL for RCB due to her national duties. Lauren Bell, set to play for UP Warriorz, also withdrew from the tournament for similar reasons.
In response to Knight’s withdrawal, RCB Women promptly announced South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk as her replacement. De Klerk, known for her impressive performances with both bat and ball in international cricket, has featured in 30 ODIs and 46 T20Is for South Africa, amassing 771 runs and taking 74 wickets.
RCB Women will rely on Nadine de Klerk to play a crucial role in the team’s campaign as they kick off their season against UP Warriorz on 24th February, following the tournament opener between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals on 23rd February.
