Photo Credit: BCCI
Big Bash fans can look forward to seeing more huge hits this summer, with some of the best T20 batting talent nominating for the upcoming KFC BBL Overseas Player Draft.
Three batters ranked in the world’s top 20 have put their name forward for selection in the Draft on September 3; Rilee Rossouw (South Africa), Alex Hales (England) and Nicholas Pooran (West Indies).
Sydner Thunder will be spoilt for choice with both Rossouw, who is ranked fourth in T20I batting and Hales, ranked thirteenth and holder of an impressive BBL strike rate of 150.14, available as retention pick options. Pooran, who was recently in the spotlight for his mammoth 137 runs off 55 balls in the Major League Cricket Final, does not qualify for retention and is likely to capture the attention of multiple clubs.
They are joined by former Proteas captain and cricket powerhouse Faf du Plessis who is returning for a second crack at the KFC BBL Overseas Player Draft. Known as a world-class top order batter with 11,198 runs scored across his international career, du Plessis’ batting skills combined with athletic fielding ability and strong leadership make him one of the most exciting players to watch. He scored an impressive 177 runs from 123 balls in his eight matches for the Perth Scorchers in the BBL|12 season, making him an appealing option as a retention pick.
After helping the Brisbane Heat reach the BBL|12 Final, former New Zealand international Colin Munro has his eyes set on another BBL season. Munro moved to the Brisbane Heat from the Perth Scorchers for BBL|12 after being selected as pick 11 in the inaugural BBL Draft and went on to have a big impact, scoring 278 runs across eight matches.
English batsman Laurie Evans is also looking to return for his second BBL season, putting his name forward for consideration. Eligible as a retention pick for the Perth Scorchers, Evans became a hero to Scorchers fans in the BBL|11 Final where he scored an unbeaten 76 runs off 41 balls to secure victory.
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, said:
“We are extremely excited for the return of the KFC BBL Overseas Player Draft.
“The BBL has always been a stage for cricketing excellence, and the first round of this year’s BBL Overseas Player Draft nominations once again underscore the League’s international appeal.
“The influx of these top batters is a testament to the BBL’s standing in the global cricket community and fans can look forward to another summer of big hits and high scores.”
The KFC BBL Overseas Player Draft on September 3 promises to be an exciting event as teams vie for the chance to secure the world’s best players in their squads. Further nominations for the KFC BBL Overseas Player Draft will be announced in the coming weeks.
About Retention Picks
Players in both the WBBL & BBL Overseas Player Drafts will be an eligible retention player if they fit any of the following criteria:
- Have been in a Big Bash team squad for a minimum of two seasons and haven’t been contracted to another team since
- Have been in a Big Bash team squad the previous season
- Was in a team squad last season but did not play in the starting 13 and have been approved by the Big Bash Technical Committee
- Is otherwise approved by the Big Bash Technical Committee due to exceptional circumstances
WEBER WBBL|09 & KFC BBL|13
The Weber WBBL|09 season begins on October 19. View the full schedule here.
The KFC BBL|13 season will begin on December 7. View the full schedule here.
Fans are encouraged to stay up to date with the latest information on the Big Bash seasons, including tickets and, memberships and the Drafts via our website and the Australian Cricket Family. Not already an ACF member? Sign up here
