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England’s experienced fast bowler Kate Cross, known for her ability to generate swing and seam movement, has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season. Despite being retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), her unexpected absence from the squad raised speculation among cricket analysts and fans alike.
Kate Cross opens up on her decision to withdraw from WPL 2025
Cross has been dealing with a persistent back injury since December, which has kept her away from competitive cricket for months. With a crucial summer ahead for England, she has opted to prioritize her rehabilitation and overall well-being. Her absence leaves a significant void in RCB’s bowling attack, particularly in the powerplay and death overs, where she provided both control and wicket-taking ability.
Taking to Instagram, Cross addressed her withdrawal, shedding light on the difficult choice she had to make. She expressed her disappointment over missing the tournament while emphasizing the need to focus on her recovery.
“My decision to withdraw from the WPL was a difficult one, but I need to take the time to rehab my injury fully and prioritize my mental and physical well-being ahead of a big summer. I’m gutted to be missing my time with RCB this year but wish @smriti_mandhana and the girls all the luck in defending the trophy! I’ll be supporting everyone from back home,” Cross wrote.
Her statement highlights the physical toll injuries can take on professional athletes and the importance of long-term health over short-term participation. Cross, who played a vital role in RCB’s title-winning campaign last season, was expected to lead the pace attack alongside Renuka Singh. With her experience and ability to swing the ball both ways, she was a key weapon for RCB, especially in conditions that favor seam movement. Her absence means the team will have to quickly adjust their plans and find a reliable bowler to fill her shoes.
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Kim Garth steps in as a like-for-like replacement
To compensate for Cross’s absence, RCB has signed Australian fast bowler Kim Garth, a seasoned campaigner with expertise in swing bowling. Originally from Ireland, Garth switched to Australia in 2020 and has since established herself as a consistent performer in both domestic and international cricket. She possesses the ability to extract movement off the pitch and bowl with precision at different stages of the game. Garth’s control over her lengths, combined with her ability to swing the ball late, makes her a valuable addition to RCB’s pace department.
With experience in high-pressure situations, including the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and international tournaments, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the squad. While RCB will undoubtedly miss Cross’s leadership and experience, Garth’s inclusion provides them with a skilled alternative capable of making an impact. The team will begin their title defense on February 14, facing Gujarat Giants (GG) in the opening match of WPL 2025. The tournament opener will be crucial for RCB as they look to start their campaign on a strong note and prove that they can successfully defend their title despite the challenges posed by injuries.
