Who is Orla Prendergast? First Ireland cricketer to be sold at WPL auction

Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast has created history at the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction, becoming the first player from her country to secure a contract in the tournament. Gujarat Giants signed the 24-year-old for her base price of Rs 30 lakh at the auction in Kochi. Who is Orla Prendergast? Born on June 1, 2002, in Dublin, Ireland, Prendergast is a right-handed batter who bowls right-arm medium-fast. She made her T20 International debut against the Netherlands in August 2019 and went on to make her ODI debut in October 2021. Orla Prendergast's international career and statistics Prendergast's numbers underline her value as a genuine all-rounder. She has made significant contributions in both white-ball formats. Women's ODI record Matches: 50 Runs: 1,332 Wickets: 30 Highest score: 122 not out Women's T20I record Matches: 88 Runs: 2,054 Wickets: 69 Highest score: 80 Her performances with both bat and ball have established her as one of Ireland's key players in international cricket. ICC recognition and rise in international cricket Prendergast's progress has also earned international recognition. In September 2025, she was named the ICC Women's Player of the Month for August after a series of impactful performances for Ireland. She scored 144 runs and took four wickets in Ireland's T20I series against Pakistan, which Ireland won 2-1. She followed that up with 244 runs and seven wickets during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, further highlighting her ability to influence matches in multiple departments. From football to cricket Prendergast's sporting journey began beyond the cricket field. As a youngster, she represented the Republic of Ireland at under-17 level in football and played club football for Cabinteely FC. She eventually chose cricket as her professional pathway, a decision that has since paid dividends through her rise in international cricket.