WPL 2026: Why Australia's Jess Jonassen withdrew from auction
What's the story
Australia's spin-bowling all-rounder, Jess Jonassen, has withdrawn from the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL) auction due to an injury. According to ESPNcricinfo, the news was officially disclosed to all five franchises during a mandatory pre-auction briefing on Wednesday. Despite playing for Brisbane Heat in the ongoing Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), a long-standing shoulder issue has kept her out of this year's WPL season and auction.
Impact
Jonassen's impact in WPL
Notably, Jonassen is recovering from a shoulder injury she has been nursing of late. The 33-year-old has been a match-winner in the WPL, having bagged five player-of-the-match awards, the second-most after Harmanpreet (7). Jonassen, who played for Delhi Capitals Women in all three seasons, has taken 33 wickets from 24 WPL matches at 20.75. Her tally also includes 295 runs with a strike rate of 138.49 (2 half-centuries).
Strategy shift
Jonassen's absence impacts auction strategies
Jonassen's withdrawal has forced franchises to rethink their auction strategies. Several teams were keen on acquiring her services, especially after Sophie Molineux chose not to register. The development could also increase the demand and price of other left-arm spinners during the auction. Notable names in this category include England's Sophie Ecclestone and South Africa's Chloe Tryon, among others.