Smriti Mandhana has made history as the first Indian player to sign a WBBL pre-draft overseas contract, joining the reigning champions Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming season.
The Strikers will be the fourth WBBL team that Mandhana has represented in the competition’s 10-year history.
The left-hander previously played for Brisbane Heat (WBBL 2016-17), Hobart Hurricanes (WBBL 2018-19), and Sydney Thunder (WBBL 2021).
Mandhana opted out of the WBBL 2022 season to manage her workload and later chose to skip the inaugural player draft for the 2023 edition, focusing instead on India’s domestic season.
Mandhana, who is only the second player after Ellyse Perry to win two Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Awards, will reunite with Luke Williams, her coach from Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Strikers.
Together, they led RCB to the WPL 2024 title after the team finished fourth in the inaugural season.
“I always look forward to playing in Australia, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to a team with a history of success like the Strikers,” Mandhana said.
“I’m thrilled to continue working with Luke.
Our previous experiences together have been incredibly rewarding, and I’m eager to build on that.”
Mandhana and Williams have also previously collaborated at Southern Brave in The Hundred.
“Smriti is an exceptional talent, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Strikers,” Williams said.
“Her technical skill, experience, and strategic insights are tremendous assets for us.
I know firsthand the dedication and energy she brings to the team, both on and off the field.
Her expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we strive for success in the upcoming season.”
The Strikers will kick off the WBBL 2024 season with a rematch of last season’s final, hosting the Brisbane Heat at home on October 27.
In addition to Mandhana, India’s Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma are among the first nominations for the upcoming WBBL draft, scheduled for September 1.
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