Australia pacer ruled out of WPL 2024 due to skin cancer

Australia left-arm pacer Lauren Cheatle made her Test debut against India in the standalone Test late last year, has underwent skin cancer removal surgery. Due to the surgery, she has been ruled out of the WPL 2024, starting on February 23 with 2023 finalists, Delhi Capitals, and Mumbai Indians playing each other. Meanwhile, ahead of the tournament, Gujarat Giants, who failed to make it to the playoffs, will miss Cheatle.

As reported by abc.net.au, she had undergone a similar skin cancer procedure on her leg in 2021 as well. Cheatle, back in December, was bagged by Gujarat for INR 30 lakh, at the WPL auction, and will, unfortunately, not be able to make her debut in the tournament. In fact, as per the report, she won’t be able to participate in the ongoing Women’s National Cricket League season.

“Cheatle is aiming to return to training with NSW following the players’ scheduled off-season break,” Cricket NSW said in a statement.

Notably, her career has been affected by constant injuries — including three shoulder reconstructions. In an international career spanning over eight years, Cheatle first played for Australia, in a T20I in 2016, against India in Melbourne, and has only played 12 international matches till now.