BBL drafts preponed to widen talent pool, Brisbane Heat claim first pick

Brisbane Heat will get first access to the elite international talent available in the BBL15 Draft after drawing the coveted Pick One in the draft lottery. 

Sydney Sixers landed Pick One in the WBBL11 Draft giving them the opportunity to significantly bolster their roster and get a jump in the race for this year’s title. 

The BBL15 and WBBL11 drafts will be held on Thursday, June 19. The earlier timing will assist Clubs in their planning and recruitment ahead of the upcoming season. 

The portal for overseas players to nominate for the drafts will open on April 28. The Lottery determines the order of selections in Rounds One, Two and Four of the Draft. Round Three is conducted in reverse order. The full Draft orders are below.

Also Read: BBL news 

The BBL|15 Draft order is: 

Brisbane Heat 
Adelaide Strikers 
Melbourne Renegades 
Perth Scorchers 
Hobart Hurricanes 
Sydney Sixers 
Melbourne Stars 
Sydney Thunder 

The WBBL|11 Draft order is: 

Sydney Sixers 
Adelaide Strikers 
Melbourne Stars 
Perth Scorchers 
Hobart Hurricanes 
Sydney Thunder 
Melbourne Renegades 
Brisbane Heat 

Both the WBBL11 and BBL15 Draft Lotteries were conducted via two draws. Picks 1-4 for each Draft were drawn from teams that did not participate in last season’s Finals, with Finalists then drawn for Picks 5-8. 

Clubs may select up to four overseas players in the Draft. This is inclusive of any pre-signed, multi-year international player – these players must be allocated to a Draft pick during the event, commensurate with the player’s salary band. The fourth player selected becomes the club’s first overseas replacement player. 

The Draft Lotteries were conducted by TPAL Australia in the presence of Club General Managers and League officials. 

Both drafts will be broadcast by Seven, 7plus, Foxtel and Kayo Sports. 

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, said, “The intrigue surrounding recruitment of international stars for the BBL15 and WBBL11 will intensify after the announcement of the lottery draft orders for the forthcoming season.

“We’re confident the draft will again deliver fantastic international talent to both leagues with the Brisbane Heat (BBL) and Sydney Sixers (WBBL) getting the first chance to land the best possible overseas signing. We’re confident bringing the draft date forward will ensure greater certainty for Clubs as they build their squads in the lead-up to another highly competitive season," he added.