BBL Season 15: Pakistani Stars Headline Overseas Draft

Cricket Australia has revealed the initial list of international players for the Big Bash League season 15 draft, showcasing prominent Pakistani cricketers such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Rizwan.

The draft is set to occur on June 19, with the Brisbane Heat possessing the first selection.

Alongside the Pakistani players, the initial 10-player list includes England’s Sam Curran and Alex Hales, New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee, Sri Lanka’s Kusal Perera, and the West Indies’ emerging pace bowler, Shamar Joseph.

WBBL Draft Nominees

The Women’s Big Bash League draft nomination list also features significant international talent. Among the early nominees are India’s Shikha Pandey and Jemimah Rodrigues, the West Indies’ Deandra Dottin, and Pakistan’s Fatima Sana.

England has a strong presence with Lauren Bell, Sophie Ecclestone, Heather Knight, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, while South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail and Chloe Tryon are also included.

Draft Schedule Adjustment

This year marks the first time the BBL and WBBL drafts have been moved to June to provide franchises with improved clarity for squad preparation.

CA stated that over 600 international players have shown interest in participating across both leagues.

Pre-Signings

Several teams have already begun shaping their squads through early signings.

  • Jamie Overton and Laura Wolvaardt (Adelaide Strikers)
  • Colin Munro and Nadine de Klerk (Brisbane Heat)
  • Chris Jordan (Hobart Hurricanes)
  • Tim Seifert and Hayley Matthews (Melbourne Renegades)
  • Tom Curran and Marizanne Kapp (Melbourne Stars)
  • Finn Allen and Sophie Devine (Perth Scorchers)
  • Amelia Kerr (Sydney Sixers)
  • Sam Billings and Chamari Athapaththu (Sydney Thunder)

Currently, the Hobart Hurricanes are yet to announce a pre-signed player for the WBBL, and the Sydney Sixers have not confirmed any pre-signings for the BBL.

The Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers will have the opening selections in the BBL and WBBL drafts, respectively. Both drafts will consist of four rounds, granting each team one pick per round.

Players will be chosen based on four international salary categories: Platinum (Rounds 1–2), Gold (Rounds 2–3), Silver (Rounds 3–4), and Bronze (Round 4 only).

Teams must make at least three selections, including any pre-signed players, and are permitted to pass once during the draft.