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As the build-up to WBBL|11 gains momentum, the tournament’s overseas draft has already ignited excitement with the announcement of the first batch of nominees. With international stars lining up to take part and teams preparing to build around marquee players, the 2025 season promises a renewed battle for supremacy — and some tricky selection calls.
Big names enter the WBBL|11 draft pool
The first list of overseas players nominated for the WBBL|11 draft has officially been revealed, and it’s packed with world-class talent. England’s bowling duo Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell, India’s dynamic duo Jemimah Rodrigues and Shikha Pandey, South Africa’s pace weapon Shabnim Ismail, and explosive West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin headline the list of 10 players.
Pakistan’s young captain Fatima Sana is a particularly exciting inclusion, marking her first step toward WBBL action. If selected, she would become only the second woman from Pakistan to feature in the tournament.
All players have confirmed full-season availability, and the draft, scheduled for June 19, is expected to shake up team combinations—especially with the WBBL|11 season likely starting post the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, which ends on November 2.
Bell is a notable exception — she is not eligible for retention. Having last featured for Thunder in 2023, the fast-rising English quick will be a major target for pace-hungry franchises.
WBBL|11 first draft nominees:
Deandra Dottin (West Indies), Shabnim Ismail (South Africa), Sophie Ecclestone (England), Heather Knight (England), Jemimah Rodrigues (India), Shikha Pandey (India), Fatima Sana (Pakistan), Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England), Lauren Bell (England), Chloe Tryon (South Africa)
Also READ: Sophie Ecclestone takes temporary break from cricket ahead of crucial home series against India
Current pre-draft signings include stars like Laura Wolvaardt and Amelia Kerr
Apart from the draft, each WBBL club is allowed one direct overseas signing. So far, eight marquee players have been pre-signed, including:
- Laura Wolvaardt (Adelaide Strikers) – retained until WBBL|12
- Amelia Kerr (Sydney Sixers) – adds depth and class to their all-round options
- Marizanne Kapp (Melbourne Stars) and Sophie Devine (Perth Scorchers) – veterans with match-winning prowess
- Chamari Athapaththu (Sydney Thunder) – Sri Lanka’s explosive captain continues her stay
- Hayley Matthews (Melbourne Renegades) and Nadine de Klerk (Brisbane Heat) – retained through 2025
- Hobart Hurricanes are the only team yet to announce a pre-draft signing
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
