UP Warriorz have officially signed West Indies all-rounder Chinelle Henry as a replacement for their skipper Alyssa Healy, who has decided to sit out of the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL).

Healy, fresh from the Women's Ashes series, announced on Saturday that she would be taking a break from competitive cricket to recover fully ahead of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup in India later this year. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter aims to regain full fitness and be in top form for the prestigious tournament.

Henry brings valuable international experience to the UP Warriorz squad. The 28-year-old has played 62 WT20Is for the West Indies, accumulating 473 runs at a strike rate of 91.13. As a bowler, she has claimed 22 wickets. In the recent T20I series between India and the West Indies held in December, Henry showcased her all-round abilities by picking up three wickets and scoring 50 runs in three matches.

UP Warriorz secured Henry for INR 30 lakh. However, the franchise has yet to announce their new captain for the upcoming WPL season.

RCB Ropes in Garth and Graham

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have bolstered their squad by signing Australian cricketers Kim Garth and Heather Graham as replacements for Sophie Devine and Kate Cross. Both Devine and Cross have opted out of this year’s WPL due to personal reasons.

Devine, a key figure in RCB’s batting lineup for the last two seasons, has decided to take an indefinite break from domestic cricket. Her exceptional 99-run knock against the Gujarat Giants in the 2023 edition remains one of her most memorable performances. With her absence, RCB looked for solid replacements and found two quality additions in Garth and Graham.

Kim Garth, originally from Ireland, made the switch to represent Australia and has since become a reliable fast-bowler. In her 59 T20I appearances, she has amassed 764 runs and taken 49 wickets. She also has prior experience in the WPL, having played for Gujarat Giants in previous seasons.

Heather Graham, another Australian all-rounder, has played five Tests, securing eight wickets. She made a significant impact in the Women’s Big League last year, finishing with 13 wickets in 11 games. Her all-round skills will add depth to RCB’s squad. Both Garth and Graham have joined RCB for INR 30 lakhs each.

WPL 2025 Set to Attract Attention

The upcoming WPL season promises to be exciting, with teams making strategic changes to enhance their squads. As franchises strengthen their lineups, fans and bettors alike are keenly watching the developments.

With the tournament gaining immense popularity, many are exploring online cricket betting in India to engage with the sport more actively. The competition is expected to bring thrilling contests, and the presence of international stars like Henry, Garth, and Graham will only add to the excitement.

With the WPL set to begin soon, teams are finalizing their preparations, and fans are eager to see how these new additions will perform on the grand stage.