England internationals Jofra Archer, James Anderson, Alice Capsey, and Maia Bouchier are among the marquee names confirmed in the final nominations for the KFC BBL|15 and Weber WBBL|11 drafts, which will take place this Thursday.
The Big Bash League continues to attract top-tier international cricket talent, with an exciting mix of established stars and emerging names. The latest nominations also feature returning players Laurie Evans and Joe Clarke, along with Indian batter Yastika Bhatia.
Pakistan power: Babar Azam and more join the BBL
A major highlight is the signing of Babar Azam by the Sydney Sixers, marking a significant influx of Pakistan talent into the BBL. Previously confirmed names from Pakistan include Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan.
These signings reflect a strong commitment from Pakistan Cricket Board and its players to participate in one of the world’s most popular T20 leagues.
Full list of pre-signed players revealed
Fifteen of the sixteen possible pre-signed overseas players have been announced across the eight BBL and WBBL clubs:
- Adelaide Strikers: Jamie Overton (BBL), Laura Wolvaardt (WBBL)
- Brisbane Heat: Colin Munro (BBL), Nadine de Klerk (WBBL)
- Hobart Hurricanes: Chris Jordan (BBL), TBC (WBBL)
- Melbourne Renegades: Tim Seifert (BBL), Hayley Matthews (WBBL)
- Melbourne Stars: Tom Curran (BBL), Marizanne Kapp (WBBL)
- Perth Scorchers: Finn Allen (BBL), Sophie Devine (WBBL)
- Sydney Sixers: Babar Azam (BBL), Amelia Kerr (WBBL)
- Sydney Thunder: Sam Billings (BBL), Chamari Athapaththu (WBBL)
Clubs are required to use a pick in the Draft that matches the salary band of their pre-signed player’s contract. Additionally, they must select a minimum of two more players during the Draft, limiting the opportunity to pass on picks.
Big Bash Draft orders and trades
The Sydney Thunder made a key trade, acquiring picks 12 and 21 from the Perth Scorchers in exchange for picks 16 and 17.
BBL Draft Order:
- Brisbane Heat
- Adelaide Strikers
- Melbourne Renegades
- Perth Scorchers
- Hobart Hurricanes
- Sydney Sixers
- Melbourne Stars
- Sydney Thunder
WBBL Draft Order:
- Sydney Sixers
- Adelaide Strikers
- Melbourne Stars
- Perth Scorchers
- Hobart Hurricanes
- Sydney Thunder
- Melbourne Renegades
- Brisbane Heat
Broadcast details
The Draft will be broadcast live on Seven Network, 7plus, FOX SPORTS, and Kayo Sports starting at 4:00pm AEST on Thursday.
Alistair Dobson, Executive General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, noted:
“Babar Azam will be a fantastic addition to the competition this season at the Sixers and having iconic names such as Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Heather Knight and Sophie Ecclestone on the table means the Draft will be fascinating viewing.”
