Shikha Pandey, Shreyanka Patil set for WCPL return

Allrounders Shreyanka Patil and Shikha Pandey will be heading back to the Women's Caribbean Premier League, with the 2025 edition set to begin on September 6.

Patil, currently nursing a fracture in the hand right after a lengthy rehab following a shin injury that has kept her out of action since the 2024 T20 World Cup, previously represented Guyana Amazon Warriors and has now been drafted by two-time champions Barbados Royals who are hoping for a 'three-peat'. Pandey, meanwhile, has been retained by Trinbago Knight Riders after a successful last season.

Hayley Matthews-led Royals, who have won back-to-back titles, have retained their core with Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, and Aaliyah Alleyne. They will welcome Kycia Knight to her home franchise for the first time. Australian wicketkeeper Georgia Redmayne and Sri Lankan opener Chamari Athapaththhu will join back, alongside Australia's Courtney Webb.

The Knight Riders, runners-up in 2024 will see veteran Deandra Dottin leading a youthful squad with the likes of Jahzara Claxton, Zaida James, Jannillea Glasgow, and Samara Ramnath in their ranks - all 21 years old or younger. Bringing experience to the table will be Shabika Gajnabi, Rashada Williams, and Abigail Bryce.

Australian allrounder Jess Jonassen will return, alongside Pandey, and the team has added more firepower to the top with the signing of Lizelle Lee, who makes her WCPL debut. Upcoming legspinner Salonee Dangore also has been drafted in the TKR squad.

Guyana, the hosts for the 2025 edition, have retained experienced stars like Stafanie Taylor, Karishma Ramharack, and Shermaine Campbelle while South African speedster Shabnim Ismail will return for her third season. Laura Harris too is in line for the third consecutive season with the franchise that has added fellow Australian legspinning allrounder Madeline Penna to their line-up.

Each of the three teams will play the two opponents twice in a double round-robin format to determine the finalists. The top-two sides will make the title clash, scheduled for September 17 at the Guyana National Stadium.