Major setback for Smriti Mandhana's RCB as England cricket star pulls out of WPL 2024

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) women face a significant setback as they gear up for the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, with England captain Heather Knight withdrawing from the tournament.

The absence of Heather Knight is a major blow for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) women’s team, given her pivotal role last season. Despite the team’s challenging performance, Knight stood out, contributing both with the bat and ball.

In the previous season, Knight played 8 games for RCB, amassing 135 runs at a strike rate exceeding 140. Her bowling performance was commendable, securing 4 wickets in 4 innings with an average of approximately 19 and a strike rate of 10.50.

The void left by Heather Knight’s absence in WPL 2024 will be substantial. Her dual contribution with bat and ball, coupled with her overall quality, will be sorely missed by the franchise. Additionally, her experience would have been invaluable for the team in the upcoming season.

While the official reason for Heather Knight’s withdrawal from WPL 2024 remains undisclosed, speculation suggests it could be related to national commitments. Recent reports indicate that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) may have mandated players to choose between participating in the WPL or representing the national side.

The England women’s team is set to engage in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, coinciding with the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has explicitly communicated to players that those opting to stay in India will not be considered for the first three games of the New Zealand series.

It is plausible that Heather Knight withdrew from the WPL with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) due to national team commitments. Lauren Bell, slated to play for UP Warriorz, also withdrew from the tournament for similar reasons.

In response to Heather Knight’s absence, RCB Women swiftly named South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk as her replacement. Known for her prowess with both bat and ball, de Klerk has made a mark in South Africa, featuring in 30 ODIs and 46 T20Is, amassing 771 runs and claiming 74 wickets.

RCB Women will be banking on Nadine de Klerk to play a pivotal role for the team in the upcoming season. The WPL is scheduled to kick off on February 23 with a clash between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, while Royal Challengers Bangalore will commence their campaign against UP Warriorz on February 24.

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