Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
An outstanding 498 cricketers from across the globe have nominated for the Weber WBBL and KFC BBL Overseas Player Drafts, as the Big Bash League today revealed the full list of players who have put their names forward for consideration.
122 players from 19 countries nominated for the first Weber WBBL Draft, while the BBL|13 Draft has grown on last year’s with 376 players from 29 countries nominating.
Of the 122 WBBL Draft nominations six players have opted to utilize the mechanism, unique to the WBBL, which allows them to choose to not be available for selection and to sign directly with a WBBL Club afterwards.
The full list of nominees for each Draft can be found via the links below.
Weber WBBL|09 Overseas Player Draft nominations
KFC BBL|13 Overseas Player Draft nominations
International superstars Rashid Khan and Deepti Sharma are two of the final nominations to be announced, as Clubs work through their final preparations ahead of the Drafts happening this Sunday September 3.
Indian cricket sensation Deepti Sharma helps round out the list of stellar nominations for the inaugural Weber WBBL Draft. A world-class all-rounder and one of the WPL’s top earners, Sharma is not eligible for retention and is likely to catch the attention of WBBL clubs.
After being selected as a Platinum pick by the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL|12 Draft, spin bowler Rashid Khan has put his name forward again this year. With over 556 T20 wickets to his name, Khan is widely regarded as one of the best T20 bowlers ever.
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, said:
“We are thrilled by the response to this year’s WBBL and BBL Drafts. The sheer volume and calibre of nominations for both Drafts speaks to the appeal of the Big Bash League for players from across the globe and reinforces the competition’s reputation for showcasing top-tier talent and providing unparalleled entertainment.
“With the uplift in Big Bash player payment pools this season, top international players set to earn more than ever before highlighting the Big Bash League’s continued commitment to fostering a world-class competition.
“On behalf of the League and our Clubs, we extend thanks to all players and their agents around the world for their support of the Drafts and the Big Bash Leagues.
“We look forward with great anticipation to the Drafts this Sunday.”
The Weber WBBL and KFC BBL Overseas Player Drafts will be broadcast on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports on Sunday, September 3, with the WBBL Draft kicking off at 5.30pm AEST and immediately followed by the BBL Draft at 7.00pm AEST.
The players selected for the Platinum category of each Draft will be announced this Wednesday August 30.
About the KFC BBL & Weber WBBL Overseas Player Drafts
The Weber WBBL and KFC BBL Overseas Player Drafts are the primary way for Clubs to recruit overseas players for the upcoming seasons.
The Drafts will feature four rounds, with clubs able to select a minimum of two and maximum of three players in total, each Club will be required to pass in at least one round.
Each Club’s WBBL squad will comprise of 15 players, including at least two overseas players from the Draft, with the option of a third overseas player from the Draft or via a direct nomination.
Each Club’s BBL squad will comprise of 18 players, including two or three overseas players from the Draft.
Platinum Players
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 players elevated to the Platinum list will be revealed at the Big Bash Drafts launch event in Melbourne on Wednesday August 30. For more information contact Kate Warnock.
Direct Nominations
The Weber WBBL Overseas Player Draft offers players the option of nominating to be directly contracted by a WBBL Team after the Draft only. If a player opts for a direct nomination, they are not available to be selected by a team during the Draft.
If a player opts for this approach and is directly contracted by a WBBL Team after the Draft, the player’s retainer cannot exceed more than 95% of the amount a WBBL Team must pay a Silver Overseas Player.
The following players have submitted direct nominations in the Weber WBBL Overseas Player Draft:
- Suzie Bates (New Zealand)
- Tammy Beaumont (England)*
- Sophia Dunkley (England)
- Mignon du Preez (South Africa)
- Lizelle Lee (South Africa)
- Amy Jones (England)
*Previously announced as a Draft nomination but has since opted for a direct nomination.
Note: Direct nominations are not a mechanism available in the KFC BBL Overseas Player Draft
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
