WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants Retain Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney
Gujarat Giants announced on Thursday that they have retained Australian players Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney ahead of the 2026 WPL mega auction. The team is owned by Adani Sportsline.
Player Performances and Retention
Ashleigh Gardner, who captained Gujarat Giants in WPL 2025, scored 243 runs in nine innings with a striking strike rate of 164, including 18 sixes—the most by any batter in the tournament. She also took eight wickets, maintaining an economy rate of eight. Beth Mooney accumulated 237 runs over nine innings at a strike rate of 128, recording two half-centuries during the 2025 season.
Coach's Statement
"We played an exciting brand of cricket last season, and while parting ways with some players is always tough, it's part of the league's evolution. We've retained two strong players who reflect our playing ethos, and we're eager to add fresh energy at the auction to take the team forward," said head coach Michael Klinger.
Team Strategy and Future Plans
The retentions of Gardner and Mooney, for INR 3.5 crore and INR 2.5 crore respectively, follow the franchise's first-ever playoff appearance in the 2025 WPL season. Gujarat Giants will now look to fill 16 remaining slots at the upcoming mega auction scheduled to take place in New Delhi later this month.
"With the first-ever mega auction for the WPL, we are entering an exciting new phase for women's cricket."
Summary
The Gujarat Giants have secured key Australian players Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney for the 2026 WPL season, aiming to build on their recent playoff success with fresh talent from the upcoming mega auction.