Cricket Australia (CA) on Tuesday revealed the first nomination sets for the Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League player draft ahead of the 2025-26 season, slated to be held later this year.
Leading the charge is Pakistan fast-bowling sensation, Shaheen Afridi, whose availability is expected to generate significant interest among BBL clubs. The Brisbane Heat, holding the coveted number one pick, will have the first opportunity to secure his services. Afridi isn’t the only Pakistan star in the mix; his compatriots Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan have also nominated themselves for BBL|15.
India cricketers Shikha Pandey and Jemimah Rodrigues have also been listed on the women’s side, along with former England captain Heather Knight, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge.
The order of selections for both Drafts was also confirmed, with the third round to be conducted in reverse order.
BBL|15 Draft first nominations:
Shamar Joseph (West Indies)
Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand)
Sam Curran (England)
Kusal Perera (Sri Lanka)
Alex Hales (England)
Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
Tim Southee (New Zealand)
Haris Rauf (Pakistan)
Shadab Khan (Pakistan)
BBL|15 Draft Order:
Brisbane Heat
Adelaide Strikers
Melbourne Renegades
Perth Scorchers
Hobart Hurricanes
Sydney Sixers
Melbourne Stars
Sydney Thunder
WBBL|11 Draft first nominations
Heather Knight (England)
Deandra Dottin (West Indies)
Shabnim Ismail (South Africa)
Sophie Ecclestone (England)
Shikha Pandey (India)
Jemimah Rodrigues (India)
Lauren Bell (England)
Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England)
Chloe Tryon (South Africa)
Fatima Sana (Pakistan)
WBBL|11 Draft Order:
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Sydney Sixers
Adelaide Strikers
Melbourne Stars
Perth Scorchers
Hobart Hurricanes
Sydney Thunder
Melbourne Renegades
Brisbane Heat
Salary bands allotted for BBL draft
- Platinum: Rounds 1–2
- Gold: Rounds 2–3
- Silver: Rounds 3–4
- Bronze: Round 4 only
Each club must draft a minimum of three overseas players in total. This count includes any players they have “pre-signed” before the draft. Players who were pre-signed by a club will not appear in the general nomination list. However, their club must still officially select them during the draft using a pick that corresponds to their pre-agreed salary band (e.g., Platinum, Gold). During the draft, each club is permitted to “pass” on one of their turns to select a player, provided they still meet the minimum requirement of three overseas players by the end of the draft.