Global stars nominate for Big Bash League Drafts

The KFC BBL|14 and Weber WBBL|10 will feature a cast of elite international talent, as the initial list of nominees for both Overseas Player Drafts was released today.

On the eve of the League's Tickets on Sale debut, the first list was released. Starting tomorrow, fans nationwide can purchase tickets at early bird prices for every BBL and WBBL game.

Below are the 10 nominees for the BBL|14 and WBBL|10 Drafts that were revealed today. 

KFC BBL|14 Draft first nominations:

Weber WBBL|10 Draft first nominations:

With nearly 600 international players expressing their availability for the Big Bash summer, the Draft nominations are now closed.

Over the course of the following two weeks, the League will gradually announce more nominations through media releases, social media posts, and the Big Bash App. Prior to the Drafts, a final list with availability indicators will be released.

Under the new system implemented this year, a player who is nominated for the Draft signifies that he has not been pre-signed by any team.

Players eligible for retention may still be chosen in the Drafts with their former club's retention selection even if they were not pre-signed.

The revelation of the 12 pre-signed players that the clubs have so far revealed comes after these nominations; the release of the final four will occur shortly.

Pre-signed overseas players:

Cricket Australia's General Manager of the Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson, stated:

"This summer's Big Bash Leagues will feature an exceptional caliber of international players, and Draft night is sure to be an exciting event."

"Thanks to the dedication of our broadcasters Seven and Foxtel, the Drafts itself will be televised on more platforms on September 1 than ever before.

Apart from the first nominations declared today, other prominent T20 players have already pledged to teams as pre-signed players in the past few weeks.

"We are excited to see more pre-signed players and nominations announced in the upcoming weeks, as players continue to demonstrate that the WBBL and BBL are their preferred destinations."

How to view the Drafts

On September 1, The Seven Network, 7plus, FOX SPORTS, and Kayo Sports will all carry live coverage of the Drafts.

The BBL|14 Draft will start right after the WBBL|10 Draft, which starts at 3:00 PM AEST.

The functioning of the Drafts

There are four rounds in the BBL|14 and WBBL|10 Drafts, and each round includes one pick for each club.

One of the four overseas player price bands—Platinum (Rounds 1 or 2), Gold (Rounds 2 or 3), Silver (Rounds 3 or 4) or Bronze (Round 4 only)—may be chosen by clubs from among the players who have declared themselves available for draft.

Clubs can pass in up to two rounds and must choose a minimum of two players through the Draft.

Players signed using the new pre-signing process prior to the Draft will not be listed among the nominees. Pre-signed players have to be chosen in the Draft by their club using a pick that corresponds to the wage range specified in their contract.

The Draft Lotteries were used to confirm the order of selection for both Drafts; the third round will take place in the opposite order.

Below are the draft orders. It should be noted that as part of Wes Agar's trade to the Sydney Thunder in Round 2 of the BBL|14 Draft, the Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Thunder exchanged picks.

KFC BBL|14 Draft Order:

1. Melbourne Stars
2. Melbourne Renegades
3. Sydney Thunder
4. Hobart Hurricanes
5. Adelaide Strikers
6. Brisbane Heat
7. Perth Scorchers
8. Sydney Sixers

Weber WBBL|10 Draft Order:

1. Hobart Hurricanes
2. Sydney Sixers
3. Melbourne Renegades
4. Melbourne Stars
5. Sydney Thunder
6. Adelaide Strikers
7. Brisbane Heat
8. Perth Scorcher

Tickets Are Available

All KFC BBL|14 and Weber WBBL|10 tickets are currently available for purchase at cricket.com.au/big-bash.

Early bird discounts are available until November 14 for BBL tickets and October 10 for WBBL tickets, so fans are urged to purchase in advance and save money.

Week of PlayCricket

With the start of Play Cricket Week today, Cricket Australia is urging all young cricket players to sign up for the next summer season.

Play Cricket Week, which takes place from August 19–25, invites young players nationwide, regardless of skill level or experience level, to register for the 24/25 cricket season.