The player drafts for Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) concluded on September 1, highlighting a strong demand for English cricketers. A total of 14 English players were picked across the drafts. Pakistani athlete Usama Mir and Bangladeshi player Rishad Hossain were the only two Asian players selected simultaneously.
Since its inception in 2011, the Big Bash League has established itself as a premier T20 tournament in Australia. However, it has recently faced increased competition from other global leagues. December 15 will mark the beginning of the BBL 2024, which will conclude on January 27.
England Opener Ben Duckett Claims No.1 Pick in BBL Draft
England opener Ben Duckett emerged as the No. 1 pick in the overseas player draft for the upcoming Big Bash League. Currently part of England’s Test series against Sri Lanka, Duckett will join the Melbourne Stars on a platinum contract.
The Sydney Sixers opted to retain James Vince, fending off interest from the Melbourne Renegades. The Sydney Thunder recruited New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, while the Renegades signed Laurie Evans.
Shai Hope is set to play for the Hobart Hurricanes, while Jamie Overton was picked by the Adelaide Strikers. The players that the Brisbane Heat and Perth Scorchers had already signed, Colin Munro and Finn Allen, were kept.
The only player from Pakistan chosen in the BBL Draft was Usama Mir.
In a notable moment for Pakistan cricket, Usama Mir was the sole player from the country picked in the BBL 2024 draft. The talented leg-spinner was chosen in the third round by the Melbourne Stars, adding another international opportunity to his growing career. His inclusion comes amidst a wave of English cricketers dominating the draft, with many teams showing a strong preference for players from England.
Second-Round Selections: Tom Curran and Jacob Bethell Highlight the Picks
In the second round of the draft, several notable selections were made. The Melbourne Stars secured Tom Curran, a pre-signed player who has made significant contributions in past seasons. The selection of England all-rounder Jacob Bethell by the Melbourne Renegades gave them more options in their lineup. Other prominent pre-signed players included Ollie Pope, who will join the Adelaide Strikers; Chris Jordan, set to play for the Hobart Hurricanes; and Sam Billings, retained by the Sydney Thunder. The Sydney Sixers reinforced their squad by bringing in Akeal Hosein, another pre-signed player.
Third-Round Selections: West Indies Stars and Usama Mir Join the Mix
The third draft round saw a blend of new and pre-signed talent. The Adelaide Strikers picked up West Indian all-rounder Fabian Allen, while the Hobart Hurricanes passed on their selection. The Sydney Thunder strengthened their squad by selecting Sherfane Rutherford, a hard-hitting West Indian batsman. The Renegades stuck with their pre-signed player, Tim Seifert, and the Melbourne Stars made a critical selection by picking Usama Mir, further bolstering their spin attack for the upcoming season.
Fourth-Round Selections: Rishad Hossain and Jafer Chohan Among Final Picks
In the fourth and final round of the draft, the Hobart Hurricanes added Bangladeshi leg-spinner Rishad Hossain to their squad, providing a unique spin option. Tom Alsop was selected by the Brisbane Heat, and veteran English batter Keaton Jennings was selected by the Perth Scorchers. The Sydney Sixers rounded out their squad by selecting Jafer Chohan, completing their overseas player lineup for the BBL 2024-25 season.
BBL 2024-25 First-Round Picks: Star Players Lead the Way
Ben Duckett – Melbourne Stars
James Vince (retained) – Sydney Sixers
Laurie Evans – Melbourne Renegades
Lockie Ferguson – Sydney Thunder
Shai Hope – Hobart Hurricanes
Jamie Overton (retained) – Adelaide Strikers
Colin Munro (pre-signed) – Brisbane Heat
Finn Allen (pre-signed) – Perth Scorchers
Second-Round Picks:
Tom Curran (pre-signed) – Melbourne Stars
Jacob Bethell – Melbourne Renegades
Ollie Pope (pre-signed) – Adelaide Strikers
Chris Jordan (pre-signed) – Hobart Hurricanes
Sam Billings (pre-signed) – Sydney Thunder
Paul Walter – Brisbane Heat
Perth Scorchers – Passed
Akeal Hosein (pre-signed) – Sydney Sixers
Third-Round Picks:
Matthew Hurst – Perth Scorchers
Fabian Allen – Adelaide Strikers
Sherfane Rutherford – Sydney Thunder
Tim Seifert (pre-signed) – Melbourne Renegades
Usama Mir – Melbourne Stars
Fourth-Round Picks:
Rishad Hossain – Hobart Hurricanes
Tom Alsop – Brisbane Heat
Keaton Jennings – Perth Scorchers
Jafer Chohan – Sydney Sixers
The draft saw an array of talent from across the globe, with English players taking center stage. Usama Mir’s selection as the only Pakistani player adds an exciting dynamic to the upcoming season as teams prepare for another thrilling edition of the Big Bash League.
Stand by your favorite team! Head to our site and let them know you’re with them all the way.
Top Cricket News | Bangladesh Premier League | Big Bash League | Big Bash League News | Cricket World Cup | Indian Premier League | Pakistan Super League | T20 Blast
One thought on “England Stars Shine with 14 Picks in BBL 2024 Draft; Usama Mir the Only Pakistani Player Chosen”