Top Cricket Stars Announced in BBL's First Overseas Draft Batch

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, along with England's Sophie Ecclestone and Heather Knight, headlines the first batch of nominees for the BBL overseas drafts. The upcoming season promises intense action with over 500 players vying for a spot across pre-draft signings and new nominations.

The upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) has announced its first batch of overseas draft nominees, featuring Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur and England's Sophie Ecclestone and Heather Knight. The league confirmed the first 10 male and female nominees on Monday.

Among the stars, world top-ranked ODI and T20I bowler Ecclestone stands out. Although eligible to be retained by her franchise Sydney Sixers, the inclusion of New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr and Australian stars Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, and Ashleigh Gardner might strain their salary cap at the Platinum level, according to cricket.com.au.

Other notable nominees include Shabnim Ismail (Hobart Hurricanes), Danni Wyatt (Perth Scorchers), Laura Wolvaardt (Adelaide Strikers), Alice Capsey (Melbourne Stars), Heather Knight (Sydney Thunder), Harmanpreet Kaur (Melbourne Renegades), and Suzie Bates (Sydney Sixers), all of whom are eligible to be retained by their respective teams.

The drafts, now closed with over 500 players in the pool, will see clubs selecting players in one of four salary bands: Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze. Teams must draft at least two players in addition to those pre-signed in multi-year contracts.

The 10th edition of the Women's BBL will kick off a week after the T20 World Cup final on October 20 and run up to December 5. The schedule is tight for Australian players, and international series like India vs. New Zealand and South Africa vs. England might conflict with players' participation in the BBL. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)