BBL 2024-25: Star trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood added to supplementary lists

Australia's 'big three' speedsters - Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood will all sit on extended lists for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL 2024-25), paving the way for a potential comeback to the country's domestic T20 tournament. The latest edition of the eight-team league gets underway on Sunday, December 15. Notably, the game will witness Perth Scorchers taking on Melbourne Stars at the Optus Stadium, in Perth.

Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc have both been roped in by Sydney Sixers under the league's marquee supplementary player rule, while Test skipper Pat Cummins will again be on the Sydney Thunder's auxiliary list. While it remains unlikely the troika will compete at all in BBL14 given Australia's busy international workload, the marquee supplementary list – introduced ahead of last season – is a contracting mechanism that opens the door for Big Bash clubs to bring a centrally contracted Australian player into their line-up if circumstances change.

"Mitch and Josh are both foundation members of our club and have been a part of the Sixers for a long time, so any opportunity for us to engage them throughout the season is a win for our club and a win for our fans," Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes told Cricket Australia.

"Both of the guys have great relationships with (coach) Greg (Shipperd) and the playing group and having them involved in any capacity will always be a boost for our group. Mitch and Josh have been a part of the fabric of our club, and we're excited for them to be back as part of the Sixers family this summer," he added.

Warner locked in for a full season is huge for us: Cummins

Meanwhile, Australia Captain Pat Cummins said that while international commitments might stop him from taking part in the league, the players will have his support at all times. He also expressed his joy as the legendary David Warner will be a part of the Sydney Thunder setup for the entire season.

Also Read: Melbourne Stars appoint Marcus Stoinis as new Captain ahead of BBL 2024-25

"While international duties mean I can't be around as much as I'd like, I'm excited to have a voice and fully back the guys throughout the season. Davey [David] Warner locked in for a full season is huge for us. It's great to see the balance in the team, with so many leaders stepping up alongside the talented youth coming through," Cummins said.

Hazlewood is the most recent of the three pacers to feature in the Big Bash and was part of the Sixers team that got the better of Melbourne Stars to bag the BBL09 title. Cummins played his most recent BBL encounter for the Thunder a year earlier, finishing with figures of 2/28 against Hobart Hurricanes, while Starc hasn't played for the Sixers since December 2014.