Photo Credit: Cricket Australia
The recruitment of overseas stars to the KFC BBL will be revolutionised this season with the introduction of the KFC BBL|12 Draft.
The Draft, to be held in coming months, will give all Clubs the opportunity to recruit up to three primary overseas players for their KFC BBL|12 squad lists.
Nominations for the Draft have opened today to players from across the world. The League, alongside our Clubs, have been in positive conversations with players and agents for some time and look forward to announcing the first nominations soon.
Information regarding player nominations and Draft mechanisms can be found below under “How It Works”.
Additionally, the BBL|12 contracting embargo has now been lifted, meaning clubs are able to enter binding discussions with Australian players. There are no changes to the mechanisms by which domestic players are recruited.
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.
Photo Credit: LinkedIn profile photo of Alistair Dobson
“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.”
HOW IT WORKS
The KFC BBL|12 Draft is the primary way for Clubs to recruit their overseas players for the upcoming season.
Click here to download KFC BBL|12 Draft explainer graphics and videos
Player nominations & categories
Players from around the world are now able to nominate for the KFC BBL|12 Draft via an online nomination portal, including their availability for part or all of the tournament.
There will be four categories in which players can be selected on Draft night: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Salaries for each category have been set at globally competitive rates, with Platinum the highest player payment.
The League is engaging in active conversations with players and agents worldwide and will announce further player nominations over the coming weeks.
Draft order
The Draft order will be decided via a weighted lottery.
The three teams to miss the Finals in KFC BBL|11 will be entered in the first weighted lottery to determine selections one, two and three.
The five finalists from last season will then be drawn for selections four to eight.
Draft rounds
The Draft will consist of four rounds with one pick per Club in each.
Clubs may elect to pass in certain rounds, but each Club must pick a minimum of two and maximum of three players by the completion of round four.
Round one is for Platinum players only and will follow the draft order drawn via the above method. Round two will follow the same order as round one, after which rounds three and four will follow a snaking order.
Retention Picks
Each club is entitled to one Retention Pick to be used in any round of the Draft.
A player is eligible for retention if they have played a match for that Club the previous season.
Total players & replacements
Each Club’s BBL squad will comprise of 18 players, including two or three overseas players from the Draft and the remainder being domestic players.
After the Draft, Clubs will be able to contract up to five replacement overseas players. A player must have nominated for the Draft to be an eligible replacement overseas player, unless approved by the League.
KFC BBL|12 SEASON
Details for a huge summer of Big Bash will be confirmed soon, including the announcement of the KFC BBL|12 schedule and ticket details.
Fans are encouraged to stay up to date with the latest information on the Big Bash, including access to a ticket pre-sale and first access to Draft news, by registering for the Australian Cricket Family.
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