Women's Premier League franchise Gujarat Giants on Sunday issued a clarification for all-rounder Deandra Dottin's absence from the squad, saying they couldn't obtain a medical clearance for the West Indian in time for her to play in the inaugural edition of the tournament.
The franchise has included Australian all-rounder Kim Garth, who was part of the squad that won the T20 World Cup in South Africa, for the inaugural season of the WPL. Garth had gone unsold during the WPL auction last month and, though she was in Australia's T20 World Cup squad, she did not play any match.
The franchise had earlier said that Dottin, who was bought in the auction for Rs 60 lakh, was "recovering from a medical situation". But Dottin responded by tweeting that she was fully fit.
"I really appreciate all the messages but truth be told I'm recovering from nothing but the Holy Ghost anointing thank you #GodIsGood #GodIsInControl," Dottin tweeted on Saturday.
5fer for Kim Garth !!
She joined GG as Dottin's replacement Kim Garth !!Destiny #GGvsUP
— Shubham (@rassivd) March 5, 2023
Gujarat Giants took to social media to clarify the issue, saying, "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 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 part of the Gujarat Giants squad in the upcoming seasons."
Garth had joined the Gujarat Giants squad on Friday but was not part of the playing XI in the tournament opener against Mumbai Indians, which the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side won by 143 runs.
