Jess Jonassen Withdraws from WPL Auction Due to Injury

Australian allrounder Jess Jonassen has withdrawn from the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction as she continues to recover from a shoulder injury. Her withdrawal was communicated to franchises during the WPL’s pre-auction briefing on Wednesday.

Jonassen, 33, has been a key performer in the league, collecting five Player-of-the-Match awards — the second-most in WPL history behind Harmanpreet Kaur’s seven. She has been managing the shoulder issue for some time, and the decision to opt out comes as she prioritises her recovery.

The WPL also informed franchises that India players Pratika Rawal, Yastika Bhatia and VJ Joshitha are currently injured, although their names remain in the auction pool. However, teams were told these players cannot be counted toward the mandatory 15-player squad requirement, and franchises selecting them will not be allowed to name replacements.

India fast bowler Pooja Vastrakar, meanwhile, is not fully fit but will still enter the auction. Kashvee Gautam has been cleared to participate after regaining full fitness.

The marquee set for the WPL 2026 auction will feature some of the biggest names in the women’s game, including Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Amelia Kerr and Laura Wolvaardt. Indian stars Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh round out the marquee group that will open the bidding.

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