Photo Credit: Adelaide Strikers
The Adelaide Strikers welcome the introduction of the KFC BBL|12 Draft announced today by the league.
Set to revolutionise the recruitment of overseas stars to the KFC BBL this season, the BBL|12 Draft will be held in the coming months.
All Clubs will have the opportunity to recruit up to three primary overseas players for their KFC BBL|12 lists, with nominations opened today to players from across the world.
Additionally, the BBL|12 contracting embargo has now been lifted, meaning clubs are able to enter binding discussions with Australian players.
The Strikers have previously signed some of the world’s most high-profile international cricketers, with Johan Botha, Keiron Pollard and Chris Jordan all calling Adelaide home throughout the Big Bash.
Of the overseas recruits to the competition, there has simply been no bigger name than Rashid Khan. The leg-spinner from Afghanistan has been a member of the Strikers since 2017, calling Adelaide home for the past five seasons.
The much-loved entertainer is the Striker’s all-time leading wicket-taker, acquiring his best figures last summer (6/17) at the Gabba, in a do-or-die match against the Brisbane Heat.
Rashid has continually thrilled fans across Australia, being named in the BBL’s official Team of the Tournament every year since his inaugural season, cementing his status as the greatest current T20 player in the world, named the ICC Men’s T20I Player of the Decade in 2020.
Tim Nielsen, SACA’s General Manager of High Performance said:
“The Adelaide Strikers welcome today’s announcement. This is a great opportunity for innovation, and we’re pleased that the competition is continuing to evolve.
“As a club our priority has always been to build the strongest list possible, putting us in the best position to win BBL titles.
“We’re looking forward to August and the opportunity for some of the world’s biggest names to play in Adelaide.
“Rashid Khan is one of the best players the league has seen. He’s adored by fans around the world for good reason, and the club will be doing everything in our power to retain him.”
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, said:
“KFC BBL|12 is shaping up as the most hotly anticipated season yet, with the best of the Big Bash on display on and off the field. At the forefront of this will be the KFC BBL|12 Draft, which elevates the recruitment of overseas players to a new level.
“The Draft is designed to attract the best available players, excite fans for the upcoming season and provide new opportunities for Clubs and the League. We look forward to announcing the first group of nominations soon.
“We’d like to thank our Clubs and the Australian Cricketers’ Association for working with us on building the Draft and look forward to the event itself.”
Trent Woodhill, Big Bash Leagues’ Player Acquisition and Cricket Consultant, said:
“The KFC BBL has a long history of bringing the biggest names to Australia and we expect it to be an even more attractive proposition with the introduction of the Draft.
“The Draft will create a new layer of strategic decision making for players and Clubs alike, as well as new levels of anticipation for the upcoming season.
“Feedback from players and agents around the world to the Draft concept has been very positive. They know what a great experience a summer in Australia is and we are anticipating a strong group of nominations in the near future.”
