Nicholas Pooran, Mohammad Rizwan withdraw from BBL draft

Several of world cricket’s star players have withdrawn their names from the BBL (Big Bash League) draft. The West Indies’ star batter Nicholas Pooran is one of the few. It is worth noting that Pooran was all set to be a platinum pick in the BBL draft and was undoubtedly going to be one of the sought-after players in the draft due to his form and his availability.

However, several reports stated that the West Indies face England in December 2023, which could come in Pooran’s way, which caused him to withdraw from the BBL draft. Furthermore, star Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan is another player who withdrew his name from the BBL draft due to commitment issues. Pakistan will be competing against Australia in three Test matches in the first month of the upcoming BBL season, which was one of the biggest reasons why Rizwan decided to withdraw.

In other news, veteran Australian pacer Peter Siddle departed Adelaide Strikers after a long stint of six seasons. He returns to Melbourne Renegades; it is worth noting that Siddle played seven games for Renegades between 2013 and 2015, where he was one of the best players in Australia’s Test lineup.

Sidds is well respected: James Rosengarten

With Siddle’s announcement of joining Melbourne Renegades for the upcoming BBL season, the franchise’s general manager, James Rosengarten, came forward to heap praise on the 38-year-old. Rosengarten opined that Renegades have been trying to get more experienced players on their side.

"We've made a concerted effort to add more experience to our playing list this off-season, so to welcome 'Sidds' back to the Renegades, alongside the additions of Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon, is a fantastic result," Melbourne Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"Sidds is well respected not just for his contributions with the ball over a long period of time but also for his leadership, tactical awareness, and broader knowledge of players and the T20 landscape," he added.

It is worth noting that Siddle will add to the already star-studded and experienced lineup for Renegades. The side already has the likes of Shaun Marsh (40), Aaron Finch (36) and Jon Wells (35), and Siddle’s arrival will only add to that experience.