Melbourne – Indian cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur and England’s Sophie Ecclestone and Heather Knight are among the prominent cricketers who have been nominated in the first batch of players for the upcoming Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) overseas draft.
The WBBL, on Monday, confirmed the initial list of 10 male and female players for this year's overseas draft. Sophie Ecclestone, the world’s top-ranked ODI and T20I bowler, is expected to be a highly sought-after pick. However, despite her previous association with the Sydney Sixers, the franchise may face challenges in retaining her due to salary cap restrictions, especially after securing New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr in pre-draft signings.
Other notable players eligible for retention include Shabnam Ismail (Hobart Hurricanes), Danni Wyatt (Perth Scorchers), Laura Wolvaardt (Adelaide Strikers), Alice Capsey (Melbourne Stars), Heather Knight (Sydney Thunder), and Harmanpreet Kaur (Melbourne Renegades). Suzie Bates is also in contention for retention by the Sydney Sixers. The draft nominations have now closed, with over 500 male and female players submitting their names.
Twelve cricket superstars have already committed to their respective clubs for the 10th season of the Women's Big Bash League and the 14th season of the Big Bash League through new multi-year, pre-draft contracts. During the draft, clubs can select players in one of four overseas salary bands: platinum, gold, silver, or bronze, with each team required to pick at least two players from the draft.
The 10th edition of the WBBL will kick off just a week after the T20 World Cup final on October 20 and will conclude four days before Australia’s first ODI against India in Brisbane on December 5. The packed schedule may also see some international players miss part of the WBBL due to national commitments, particularly with series like India vs. New Zealand and South Africa vs. England on the horizon.
