A number of key players from England have signed up to play in the Women’s Big Bash League but will have their time curtailed due to an overlap with their tour to South Africa. The England and Wales Cricket Board has a directive in place that any player selected for the national squad must prioritize international commitments, thereby ruling them out of contention for the latter stages of the WBBL 10.
Accordingly, any player selected in the England T20 squad needs to report for the team’s tour of South Africa by November 17, and those selected in the ODI squad by November 27. This directive has been relayed to the players and their agents a good while in advance of the WBBL draft being held so that they’re on notice of a possible early departure from the tournament.
Key England players picked in WBBL draft, but will join national team ahead of SA series
The WBBL, which runs from October 27 to December 2, includes 11 regular-season matches after November 17 and the knockout stages, so many of the English will miss out on some key games. Seven England players were picked up in the WBBL draft including Danni Wyatt-Hodge joining Hobart Hurricanes, Sophie Ecclestone with Sydney Sixers and Heather Knight retained by Sydney Thunder at platinum level.
It’s not the first time there has been such a clash. In 2023, England players missed important games in WBBL due to international commitments too. Jonathan Finch, the Director of England Women’s Cricket at the ECB, sought improvement in future schedules given the financial allure of leagues but maintained that national commitments should come foremost.
With the Women’s FTP finishing in 2025, early discussions have begun in an attempt to plan better for the future with a mix of domestic league participation along with international commitments.
Also, see:
These Pakistani players will take part in CPL 2024
