Hobart Hurricanes in advantage after getting first pick in WBBL overseas draft

The Hobart Hurricanes have hit the jackpot, securing the first pick in the upcoming WBBL overseas draft. Despite the odds being stacked against them, the Hurricanes emerged victorious in the lottery system in the selection order.

The draft order was determined through a weighted lottery, with the four teams that missed the finals last season, the Hurricanes, Sydney Sixers, Melbourne Renegades, and Melbourne Stars getting the first picks, followed by the playoff teams. The Melbourne clubs, having finished at the bottom last year, had a higher probability of landing the first pick, but the Hurricanes had the last laugh.

For the Hurricanes, who finished sixth in the 2023-24 season, securing the top pick presents an opportunity to strengthen their squad with a game-changing overseas talent. Last year, they opted for the formidable duo of Shabnim Ismail and Bryony Smith through the draft, complemented by the direct nomination of Lizelle Lee.

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The order of selections is vital for each club as they build their draft strategy: Alistair Dobson

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia's general manager of Big Bash Leagues, highlighted the significance of the draft order.

"The order of selections is vital for each club as they build their draft strategy, which is even more intriguing this year with the addition of the pre-signed, multi-year internationals," he said as quoted by Cricket Australia.

The draft rules have undergone a few changes this season. Clubs can now sign one overseas player to a multi-year deal before the draft and up to four overall, including potential replacements. The pre-draft option replaces last year's direct nominations, with the likes of Amelia Kerr, who was already secured by the Sydney Sixers.

The draft will once again feature four price bands: platinum (Australian dollar 110,000), gold (Australian dollar 90,000), silver (Australian dollar 65,000), and bronze (Australian dollar 40,000), allowing teams to strategize their selections based on their budget and needs.

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As the WBBL prepares for a 40-game regular season, the Hurricanes find themselves in a good position with the first pick. 

"Last year's number one selection for the Thunder, Marizanne Kapp, is an icon of the competition and we look forward to seeing who Hobart recruit," Dobson added.