WPL: Chinelle Henry replaces injured Alyssa Healy at UP Warriorz
What's the story
UP Warriorz (UPW) have signed Chinelle Henry in their squad for the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025.
The West Indies middle-order batter and quick bowler, will take the place of Alyssa Healy, who has been ruled out due to a stress injury in her right foot.
This comes after Healy, also the captain of Australia and UPW, was declared unfit for the tournament.
Player swap
Healy's injury and Henry's form
Healy's injury also saw her miss the T20I leg of the women's Ashes, which Australia won 16-0 over England.
Despite passing a late fitness test to play in the series-ending Test match as a middle-order batter, Healy has confirmed she won't be playing WPL 2025.
Meanwhile, Henry enters the tournament with some impressive recent performances under her belt.
In 62 WT20Is, Henry has scored 473 runs at 14.78 besides scalping 22 wickets (ER: 6.84).
Team changes
RCB announces replacements for Devine and Cross
In other team changes, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have signed Heather Graham and Kim Garth as replacements for Sophie Devine and Kate Cross.
While Devine is taking a break from cricket, Cross has been sidelined since December with a back injury.
All three replacement players were acquired at ₹30 lakh each.
Player profiles
Graham and Garth's cricket journey
Graham, a 28-year-old Australian player, was a part of Mumbai Indians (MI) in the WPL but didn't play a single match.
She is highly rated in Australia and has represented Hobart Hurricanes and Perth Scorchers in the WBBL.
Garth, also 28, was key to Australia's Ashes campaign and has previously represented Gujarat Giants (GG).
Tournament schedule
WPL 2025 to kick off on February 14
The third edition of the WPL will kick off on February 14 with a match between RCB and Gujarat Giants in Vadodara.
The announcement comes just days after the league announced player replacements due to injuries and personal reasons.
The tournament promises exciting cricket action with new players stepping in for seasoned veterans.