Photo Credit: Brisbane Heat
The Brisbane Heat will have third pick in the inaugural KFC T20 Big Bash League international player draft next month and will have their sights firmly set on an “impactful’’ recruit for the coming season.
Following the draft lottery draw yesterday, the Heat learned they would have the third pick overall in the opening round of the draft, that will be broadcast live on Sunday 28 August by Fox Cricket.
With more than 170 players committed so far to the draft, Brisbane will go on the hunt for a Platinum level recruit from the outset.
Heat head coach Wade Seccombe told brisbaneheat.com.au last month that the team’s plan for the opening pick was a straight-forward one.
“We know the Platinum level will be available for the opening picks so it will be our desire to secure an impactful player who can win matches and has won tournaments in the past,’’ he said.
“That could be a top order bat, a pace bowler, a spinner, a middle order finisher or an allrounder with our first pick. . . we will be looking at utilising our draft position to maximise our recruiting return.”
The Heat have the ability to secure three players from the Draft, with players ranging from Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze category.
Two weighted lotteries were undertaken yesterday in the presence of authorised Club officials, the BBL Draft Committee, CA security & integrity and an independent scrutineer to determine the order of selections.
After missing the KFC BBL|11 Finals, Melbourne Stars (1 entry), Brisbane Heat (2 entries) and Melbourne Renegades (3 entries) were placed in the first lottery. The remaining Clubs, all of which played Finals last season, were entered in the second lottery.
The order of selections for the KFC BBL|12 Draft was ratified following the weighted lotteries and will be as follows:
1. Melbourne Renegades
2. Melbourne Stars
3. Brisbane Heat
4. Sydney Sixers
5. Adelaide Strikers
6. Perth Scorchers
7. Sydney Thunder
8. Hobart Hurricanes
As revealed in June, the Draft will include four rounds, with clubs to select a minimum of two and maximum of three players in total. Clubs must pass in at least one round. Round 1 will follow the order as stated above, with Rounds 2 to 4 to follow a snaking order.
BBL broadcast partner Fox Sports Australia will show the Draft on Fox Cricket, available on Foxtel channel 501 and streaming platform Kayo Sports.
The Draft will be held on Sunday, August 28, following Australia’s Dettol ODI Series clash with Zimbabwe in Townsville, the opening match of the three-game series at Riverway Stadium.
The Draft will be hosted by an all-star Fox Cricket panel of Adam Gilchrist, Michael Hussey, Brisbane Heat assistant coach Darren Lehmann, Kath Loughnan and Mark Howard, who will take fans closer than ever before to the key decision makers at Clubs in real time.
Over 170 players have nominated for the Draft to date. All players announced are below, with the remainder to be announced shortly, including the Platinum level players.
Among the top-level players announced to date are former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, West Indian allrounders Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo and Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan.
Memberships and tickets for this summer’s Heat WBBL and BBL matches go on-sale to the public at 2pm, 18 August (AEST) through Ticketek.
The Heat has announced 11 players so far, with a further seven signings to be completed including three overseas players from the upcoming international player draft next month.
Brisbane is keeping open contract spots on its 2022-23 list to provide opportunities for players who impress in the inaugural KFC T20 Max competition in August and September to potentially join the BBL club.
2022-23 Brisbane Heat Squad
BBL|12 signings (to date)
Xavier Bartlett
James Bazley
Max Bryant
Sam Heazlett
Usman Khawaja (new)
Matt Kuhnemann
Michael Neser
Jimmy Peirson
Mark Steketee
Mitch Swepson
Jack Wildermuth
