2024 WBBL and BBL Draft: Full Picks, Teams, and Squads Overview
Forty-nine players from across the globe have secured their places on Big Bash League club lists at WBBL and BBL drafts.
A pair of English superstars were secured first in each event, with spin bowler Sophie Ecclestone and batter Ben Duckett headlining the WBBL and BBL Drafts, respectively.
Ecclestone’s selection unfolded dramatically as she became the first of three players chosen by the Hobart Hurricanes with the prized Pick 1, only for each to be retained by their previous clubs. Ecclestone will again don the Sydney Sixers jersey, while fellow early picks Heather Knight (Sydney Thunder) and Laura Wolvaardt (Adelaide Strikers) also returned to their respective teams for the WBBL.
After three unsuccessful attempts, the Hurricanes finally secured Danni Wyatt at the Platinum level. Other first-round picks included Deandra Dottin (Melbourne Renegades), Deepti Sharma (Melbourne Stars), Jemimah Rodrigues (Brisbane Heat), and Sophie Devine (Perth Scorchers).
The BBL Draft saw batters take center stage early on. Ben Duckett was snapped up by the Melbourne Stars, followed by James Vince returning to the Sydney Sixers via a Retention Pick.
Laurie Evans moved to the Melbourne Renegades, while Shai Hope joined the Hobart Hurricanes. Pre-signed players Colin Munro (Brisbane Heat) and Finn Allen (Perth Scorchers) were also allocated as Round 1 picks. Meanwhile, the Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers made their first selections with fast bowler Lockie Ferguson and all-rounder Jamie Overton, respectively.
Across both drafts, all 16 pre-signed players were assigned to teams, with four retention picks activated, preventing rivals from securing top overseas talent.
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, praised the recruitment process: “The League congratulates and welcomes the 49 overseas players selected by the eight clubs in the Drafts. The Big Bash remains a premier destination for the world’s best players, as demonstrated by the quality of nominations and the outstanding talent recruited today. We thank all players and their agents who participated in this year’s Drafts.
“We also congratulate and thank our clubs on the preparation for the event and the quality of lists they have compiled, and to Seven and Foxtel for their hard work in bringing the Drafts to life.”
WBBL 2024 Draft Results
Sophie Ecclestone – Sydney Sixers (Platinum, Retention Pick)
Heather Knight – Sydney Thunder (Platinum, Retention Pick)
Laura Wolvaardt – Adelaide Strikers (Platinum, Retention Pick)
Danni Wyatt – Hobart Hurricanes (Platinum)
Deandra Dottin – Melbourne Renegades (Platinum)
Deepti Sharma – Melbourne Stars (Platinum)
Jemimah Rodrigues – Brisbane Heat (Platinum)
Sophie Devine – Perth Scorchers (Platinum, Pre-Signed Player)
Chloe Tryon – Hobart Hurricanes (Gold)
Amelia Kerr – Sydney Sixers (Platinum, Pre-Signed Player)
Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Top Cricket News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.