The inaugural Hundred player auction marked a historic day for women's cricket, with England's Dani Gibson becoming one of the country's best-paid sportswomen after being bought for £190,000. The event also saw Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney each sign for £210,000, surpassing the entire women's squad earnings when the competition launched in 2021.
Held in a branded space near Piccadilly Circus and broadcast on YouTube, the auction featured Richard Madley wielding the gavel. Among the notable deals, 19-year-old Davina Perrin was acquired by Birmingham Phoenix for £50,000, having graduated from Ebony Rainford-Brent's ACE programme. However, the room of approximately 60 people contained only a dozen women, with two teams' tables entirely male.
The lack of female representation in coaching and administrative roles was a prominent concern. Lisa Keightley, the only female senior coach in the competition, working with MI London, said: "It is really disappointing seeing one female senior coach in this competition. I hope that changes over time. There's some really good female coaches that will be disappointed not to be involved. But I will keep flying the flag."
Fellow coaches Anya Shrubsole of Southern Brave and Sarah Taylor of Manchester Super Giants echoed similar sentiments. Shrubsole noted the "chicken-and-egg situation," while Taylor expressed hope that more girls entering the professional game would eventually pursue coaching. The contrast with last year's Women's Rugby World Cup in Britain, led by an entirely female executive team, was striking.
Additionally, neither of the Pakistani players in the auction, Sadia Iqbal, the world's top-ranked T20 bowler, and Fatima Sana, were bought. While reasons such as overseas slots already being filled were cited, the absence highlighted tensions around private investment in English cricket. The men's auction is scheduled for Thursday, with prices expected to be significantly higher.
