On Sunday, September 1, the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 drafts selected 24 players for eight teams. Over 70 Pakistani cricketers had signed up for the drafts, including Haris Rauf, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, and Shan Masood, but only Usama Mir was chosen. The 28-year-old Mir will join the Melbourne Stars. Haris Rauf, who previously played for the Stars, was not selected this time.
Rishad Hossain became the second Bangladeshi cricketer to join the BBL, following veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. The 22-year-old Rishad gained attention in the T20 World Cup, despite Bangladesh not making it to the semifinals. In seven matches, the leg-spinner took 14 wickets, including two instances of taking three wickets in a match. He will play for the Hobart Hurricanes.
In the BBL Draft, early attention was on the batters. The Stars chose Ben Duckett, and the Sydney Sixers kept James Vince using a Retention Pick. Laurie Evans switched to the Melbourne Renegades, Shai Hope joined the Hurricanes, and Colin Munro (Brisbane Heat) and Finn Allen (Perth Scorchers) were already signed and placed in Round 1 Picks.
The Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers picked fast bowler Lockie Ferguson and all-rounder Jamie Overton as their first choices, respectively.
“The Big Bash continues to attract top-tier players from around the globe, as shown by the high-quality nominations and signings announced today. We appreciate all the players and their representatives who participated in this year’s Drafts.
“We also extend our congratulations and gratitude to our clubs for their diligent preparation and the impressive player lists they have assembled. Additionally, we thank Seven and Foxtel for their efforts in broadcasting the Drafts,” said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager for the Big Bash Leagues.
The Big Bash League is set to commence on December 15 with the first game featuring the Perth Scorchers and the Melbourne Stars at Perth Stadium.
Here is the list of players picked in the BBL 2024-25 drafts
Ben Duckett (Melbourne Stars, Platinum)
James Vince (Sydney Sixers, Platinum, Retention Pick)
Laurie Evans (Melbourne Renegades, Platinum)
Lockie Ferguson (Sydney Thunder, Platinum)
Shai Hope (Hobart Hurricanes, Platinum)
Jamie Overton (Adelaide Strikers, Platinum)
Colin Munro (Brisbane Heat, Platinum, Pre-Signed Player)
Finn Allen (Perth Scorchers, Platinum, Pre-Signed Player)
Tom Curran (Melbourne Stars, Platinum, Pre-Signed Player)
Jacob Bethell (Melbourne Renegades, Gold)
Ollie Pope (Adelaide Strikers, Gold, Pre-Signed Player)
Chris Jordan (Hobart Hurricanes, Platinum, Pre-Signed Player)
Sam Billings (Sydney Thunder, Platinum, Pre-Signed Player)
Paul Walter (Brisbane Heat, Gold)
Akeal Hosein (Sydney Sixers, Gold, Pre-Signed Player)
Matthew Hurst (Perth Scorchers, Silver)
Fabian Allen (Adelaide Strikers, Silver)
Sherfane Rutherford (Sydney Thunder, Silver)
Tim Seifert (Melbourne Renegades, Gold, Pre-Signed Player)
Usama Mir (Melbourne Stars, Silver)
Rishad Hossain (Hobart Hurricanes, Bronze)
Tom Alsop (Brisbane Heat, Bronze)
Keaton Jennings (Perth Scorchers, Bronze)
Jafer Chohan (Sydney Sixers, Bronze)
