WBBL|11 Draft 2025: Sydney Sixers Secure Pick 1 to Target Top Talent

Sydney Sixers Secure Pick 1 in WBBL|11 Draft, Ready to Build a Powerhouse Squad for the New Season

The Sydney Sixers have landed a massive boost ahead of Weber WBBL|11, winning the coveted Pick 1 in the WBBL Draft Lottery, setting the tone for an exciting recruitment phase.

The Big Bash landscape is heating up early this year, with Cricket Australia confirming that both the Weber WBBL|11 Draft and the KFC BBL|15 Draft will take place on June 19, 2025. And leading the headlines is the Sydney Sixers, securing the prized first pick in the WBBL|11 Draft lottery a position that could significantly shape their fortunes for the upcoming season.

Not only have the Sixers positioned themselves perfectly to grab the best available overseas star in the Women’s Big Bash League, but they’ve also secured Pick 6 in the KFC BBL|15 Draft, continuing their efforts to build competitive and balanced squads across both leagues.

Sydney Sixers' WBBL Draft advantage could be game-changing

Landing Pick 1 in any draft comes with weighty expectations, but for the Sydney Sixers, it also opens up exciting possibilities. The franchise, already known for attracting global cricketing icons, is now in pole position to sign a game-changing international talent who could shape their WBBL|11 campaign.

Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes couldn’t hide her enthusiasm while speaking about the significance of securing the first pick. For Haynes, this is more than just a lottery win; it’s an opportunity to maintain the Sixers' status as a destination club for world-class players in the WBBL.

“To enter the WBBL Draft with Pick 1 is a huge advantage for the club," Haynes explained. "The WBBL remains a fiercely contested and close competition each season, so to secure the first selection and give ourselves the best possible opportunity to add elite talent to our group is extremely valuable."

Sydney Sixers’ successful recruitment history adds to their confidence

The Sixers have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to international recruitment. Last season, the franchise successfully retained England's spin superstar Sophie Ecclestone, despite the Hobart Hurricanes attempting to snap her up with their first draft pick. Ecclestone formed a vital part of the Sixers' campaign alongside other international stars like Hollie Armitage and Amelia Kerr, showcasing the franchise's ability to attract and retain the very best.

Their men’s team, too, has a solid base to build upon, with retention rights over reliable performers like James Vince, Akeal Hosein, and Jafer Chohan. The upcoming BBL Draft could see them further bolster this impressive line-up.

Earlier draft date to streamline strategy and squad building

The decision to host both drafts on June 19, well ahead of the season, is a strategic move from Cricket Australia. The earlier timeline will help franchises secure overseas player commitments, plan pre-season training, and navigate international cricket’s often tricky scheduling conflicts.

The player nomination portal opens on April 28, 2025, inviting overseas stars to throw their hats in the ring. Each club can select up to four international players in the draft, including any pre-signed or multi-year contracted players. Notably, the fourth pick becomes the designated overseas replacement player, a key provision considering the ever-present risk of injuries or international call-ups.

The draft system keeps the Big Bash Leagues exciting and unpredictable

Both WBBL and BBL draft lotteries followed a structured draw. Picks 1-4 were reserved for teams that missed the finals last season, while finalists filled Picks 5-8. This approach helps maintain a competitive balance in the leagues, ensuring lower-ranked teams from previous seasons have a fair shot at strengthening their squads.

For the WBBL|11 Draft, Sydney Sixers will lead the way, followed by Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers, Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Thunder, Melbourne Renegades, and Brisbane Heat.

In the BBL|15 Draft, Brisbane Heat bagged Pick 1, giving them the first move in the men’s draft, with the Sixers set to pick sixth.

Sydney Sixers' recruitment drive will shape WBBL|11 narrative

The Sixers' approach to the WBBL|11 Draft will be keenly observed. With several world-class names likely to nominate for the draft including England's Nat Sciver-Brunt, Australia's Ashleigh Gardner (if not retained), or India's Harmanpreet Kaur the Sixers have the luxury to pick a player who fits their style, balance, and long-term vision.

Given their rich history of international recruitment and the pulling power of the Sydney Sixers brand, it would be no surprise if they land a marquee name who could be central to their WBBL|11 success.

Big Bash Leagues setting global benchmarks in T20 franchise cricket

The integration of structured drafts, strategic squad building, and player retention rights continues to place both the WBBL and BBL among the most progressive T20 leagues globally. The growing importance of drafts not only ensures fair competition but also keeps fans engaged months before the first ball is bowled.

Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson, summed it up aptly, saying, “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.”

Dobson also noted that advancing the draft date offers clubs greater certainty and strengthens their capacity to build competitive squads.

Sydney Sixers primed to shine in WBBL|11

With Pick 1 secured, a world-class squad already in place, and a reputation as one of the most professional franchises in Australian cricket, the Sydney Sixers are well-positioned to make WBBL|11 another memorable season. The draft will only add another layer of intrigue as they look to maintain their dominance and perhaps lift another WBBL trophy.

As the countdown to June 19 begins, one thing is certain all eyes will be on the Sydney Sixers' first pick, and their choice could very well set the tone for the entire WBBL|11 season.