Gardner, the reigning Weber WBBL Player of the Year and star of Australia’s opening win of the T20 World Cup with a five-wicket haul, was sold to the Gujarat Giants for $558,000.
The subject of a fierce three-team bidding war, Gardner was bought by the Adani Group-owned Gujarat Giants, the last of the three franchises to express their interest in the 25-year-old during the auction last Monday afternoon.
Gardner watched from the sidelines of her team’s afternoon training at St George’s Park in Gqeberha ahead of their T20 World Cup fixture against Bangladesh last Tuesday.
The new tournament will last 22 days, from March 4-26.
Bankstown Sports Women’s Cricket Club President Robert Smith says it’s not just about the money she will earn but the impact she is making on women’s cricket in general.
“She is such an inspiration to younger players,” he said.
“To Ashleigh’s credit, she is still in touch with the club through her foundation and came to our presentation dinner.
“We are really proud of the way she has evolved from juniors to seniors, state, national and international level but it all started in Bankstown where she got such a solid grounding.
“We have been watching Ash’s career flourish every step of the way; she deserves every bit of success and recognition.”
A second Bankstown player, Erin Burns was the first player outside of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, to be snapped up at the same auction by Royal Challengers Bangalore for $52,000.
