MUMBAI: The inaugural Women's Premier League has been hit by its first major controversy. Just hours before the opening game on Saturday night, the Gujarat Giants had announced that Ireland-born Australian all-rounder Kim Garth had replaced West Indies' batting great Deandra Dottin in their squad because of an injury.
However, Dottin dropped a bombshell on Saturday when she revealed on social media that she is fit and healthy.
On Sunday, the Gujarat Giants tweeted a statement in which they said that they were unable to get a medical clearance for Deandra Dottin which is mandatory to play in the WPL. In the statement, GG said that the West Indian will be a part of the side in the future editions of WPL once she gets medical clearance to play in the League.
"Deandra is a world-class player and a wonderful signing for the franchise. Unfortunately, we were unable to obtain a medical clearance before the defined deadline for this season. Such clearances are a requirement of all the players participating in the WPL. We look forward to seeing her return to the field soon. Subject to the clearance of her medical report, she will be a part of the Gujarat Giants squad in the upcoming seasons," said GG in the statement, without specifying what exactly was the medical issue that prevented Dottin, who has featured in 143 WODIs and 127 T20Is for the West Indies, from playing in the WPL.
Earlier, replying to a 'Get Well Soon' message on Instagram, the 31-year-old from Barbados wrote "Get Well Soon from what may I ask". She also took to Twitter to voice her frustration and wrote: "I really appreciate all the messages but truth be told I’m recovering from nothing but the Holy Ghost anointing thank you."
GG, who lost the opening game of WPL by 143 runs to the Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium, had purchased the Caribbean batter at last month's auction for Rs 60 lakhs.
