An early controversy hit 2023 Women's Premier League (WPL 2023) hours before its opening match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Giants (GG) on Saturday. Gujarat Giants, on Friday, announced West Indies star Deandra Dottin being ruled out of the tournament and Australian star Kim Garth, who went unsold in WPL auction last month, coming in as her replacement. "Deandra Dottin will miss WPL 2023 season because she is recovering from a medical situation,” as reported also by ANI.
“The Adani Gujarat Giants have had to call for a replacement player just before the start of the inaugural edition of the 2023 Women’s Premier League,” Gujarat Giants reportedly said in a statement ahead of MI vs GG WPL 2023 match.
“Ace West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin is recovering from medical situation and has been replaced by Australian pace bowler Kim Garth. The Adani Gujarat Giants wish Deandra a speedy recovery, and welcome the talented Kim Garth.”
Deandra Dottin quashes news of her 'recovering from medical situation'
Dottin, acquired at WPL 2023 auction by Gujarat Giants for Rs. 60 lakh after bidding for her started at Rs. 50 lakh, took to social media to reveal she is healthy. In reply to fan's 'Get Well Soon' message on Instagram, she wrote 'Get Well Soon from what may I asked.'.
She issued another clarification about her health on Twitter and wrote: "I really appreciate all the messages but truth be told I’m recovering from nothing but the Holy Ghost anointing thank you."
WPL 2023 tournament opener will be played on Saturday, Match 4, between Gujarat and Mumbai at Navi Mumbai. Beth Mooney, Player of the match in Australia's Women's T20 World Cup 2023 win vs South Africa, will lead Gujarat Giants in WPL.