WPL 2023: Ellyse Perry, Heather Knight delighted to join Royal Challengers Bangalore for tournament's inaugural edition

The highly-anticipated auction of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) witnessed franchises splurging money on some of the well-known cricketers around the world ahead of the inaugural season. One such franchise was Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who took a bold approach in adding top-tier cricketers into the mix in the bidding arena on Monday, February 13.

Notably, the franchise procured the services of Smriti Mandhana, Sophie Devine, Heather Knight and star Aussie all-rounder Ellyse Perry among others to bolster their squad. In a video shared by RCB, English star Heather Knight expressed her delight on joining one of the biggest franchises in league cricket.

The first woman to score a century in all 3 formats of international cricket. 🫡

We're very delighted to have the World Cup winning & the current English Skipper, Heather Knight, among our ranks! 🔥#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #WPL2023 @Heatherknight55 pic.twitter.com/4eamOF6N6n

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 14, 2023

"I am absolutely delighted to be a part of RCB. It is such an awesome franchise, one of the biggest, and has a huge fan following. So, I can not wait to go to India, to meet everyone involved in the team, to join up with all the girls, and hopefully play some brilliant cricket,” told Heather.

It's kind of really cool, a twist of fate: Ellyse Perry

Similarly, Australia star all-rounder Ellyse Perry expressed that she was thrilled to have been given the opportunity by the franchise.

🗣️ The GOAT sent us a video 🥺

Ellyse Perry is thrilled to join the rest of the Royal Challengers for the WPL. 🤩

WE CANNOT WAIT! 😃😍 #PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #WPL2023 @EllysePerry pic.twitter.com/IlHv8oTbam

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 14, 2023

"I just want to say a big hello, and a big thank you for the opportunity to play with RCB in the first-ever WPL. I am so excited for this tournament, and everything it means for the women's game. It's kind of really cool, a twist of fate, that I was actually at the first-ever RCB game for the men many years ago, and since then I think RCB have always had a bit of a soft spot in my heart,” Perry expressed.

“I suppose to have this sort of twist of fate and now being part of the first-ever women's team is super cool. Looking forward to meeting everyone who is a part of the team but also the huge fan base that the club has as well. Yeah, it's amazing to think that this is all coming to reality and look forward to seeing you all in March,” added Perry.