For INR 3.2 crore, the Gujarat Giants signed Ashleigh Gardner for the first Women’s Premier League (WPL), breaking financial records. Although the 27-year-old Australian all-rounder didn’t see it coming, her incredible run in international cricket and standing as one of the top performers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) helped her secure a lucrative WPL contract.
In addition to calling it “bizarre,” Gardner discussed how women’s cricket has grown over the past ten years. Being able to play in a time when women’s cricket is gaining popularity and garnering media attention makes her feel fortunate. The all-rounder who is rated second in T20I cricket also discussed the spectators and how they have changed to watch women’s cricket.
It was completely strange. It was definitely something I never would have imagined happening to me in the course of my work. The concept of the women’s game, which highlights women in sports, is gaining traction. It is hoped that cricket will set the example. “I know that cricket and football are quite similar, but being a part of the women’s game now and seeing its growth over the past ten years has been amazing,” Gardner was reported to have said.
It’s likely that I didn’t play to my full potential: Ashleigh Gardner
Gardner said that she hasn’t played to the best of her abilities as she thought back on her performances over the past few years. Despite the Australian’s 324 runs and 17 wickets, Gujarat finished bottom in both years. Although she acknowledged the high hopes held by the fans, she made it clear that her subpar performance was not caused by her lucrative deal.
Gardner said that although the money changed her life, at the end of the day it was only a figure to her. She went on, trying to play to her strengths and avoiding that way of thinking.
“I had to live up to expectations because of the absurd price tag that came with it. It was strange because, very obviously, I had nothing to do with the cost of the purchase. I realised that although there was this expectation, it was probably just a self-imposed felt pressure that I was unable to stop.
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It’s been quite disheartening that I probably haven’t performed to my full potential. Don’t get me wrong, that really did change my life. However, I probably make an effort to avoid connecting myself with it. After all, it’s just a number. I believe that the team’s success is more essential than anything else, so I’ll keep working hard for them.
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