Ashleigh Gardner opens up about big-money WPL contract

The Gujarat Giants made headlines by signing Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner for INR 3.2 crore in the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Gardner, known for her impressive performances in international cricket and the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), was surprised by the hefty contract.

Gardner described the experience as "bizarre" and expressed her gratitude for being part of the rapidly growing women’s cricket scene. She highlighted the significant changes in the sport over the past decade and noted how fans have become more engaged with women's cricket.

“It was totally bizarre. It was certainly something that I never thought would happen to me throughout my career. People are buying into what the women's game is, showcasing women in sport. Hopefully, cricket is leading the way: I'm sure cricket and soccer are pretty close but to be involved in the women's game at the moment, and the evolution from 10 years ago to now, it's been fantastic,” Gardner said.

Reflecting on her performance, Gardner admitted she hasn't played to the best of her ability over the past two years. Despite high expectations, Gujarat Giants finished last in both seasons, with Gardner scoring 324 runs and taking 17 wickets. She acknowledged the pressure from fans but clarified that the big-money contract was not a factor in her performance.

“The ridiculous price tag that it came with certainly brought an expectation that I had to live up to. It was weird, because I had - obviously - nothing to do with the price tag that I was bought for. It was like, OK, there's this expectation - but it's probably a perceived pressure thing that I'm putting on myself, which I have no control over," she further added.

Gardner emphasized that while the contract was life-changing, she tries not to let it define her. She focuses on playing her best for the team and staying away from the mindset of being associated with the money.

“I probably haven't played to the best of my ability, which has been really disappointing… It was certainly life-changing, don't get me wrong. But associating myself with that is probably something that I try to stay away from. It's a number, at the end of the day. If I can keep performing and doing my best for the team, I think that's more important than anything else,” she concluded.