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The anticipation for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season continues to build as six renowned T20 cricketers have thrown their hats into the ring for the BBL|13 Draft. The initial wave of nominations has been unveiled, showcasing a lineup of cricketing stars set to ignite the tournament. The BBL|13 is scheduled to commence on December 07, with an electrifying opening clash between Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars at The Gabba.
Alex Hales – England
England’s Alex Hales, who triumphed in the 2022 T20 World Cup, seeks to continue his dominance on the BBL stage. Having recently retired from international cricket, Hales boasts an impressive BBL record, with 1747 runs at a strike rate of 150.73 since his debut in 2019. Sydney Thunder retains the option to secure his services.
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Nicholas Pooran – West Indies
West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran, fresh from steering MI New York to victory in the inaugural Major League Cricket (MLC), could potentially make his return to the BBL after an absence of nearly three years. With Melbourne Stars having the first pick in the draft, Pooran’s dynamic batting prowess could find a home with the franchise for the latter half of the season.
Faf du Plessis – South Africa
South African legend Faf du Plessis, who made an impact with the Perth Scorchers last season, is expected to be a prime target for the upcoming draft. After a productive BBL campaign where he scored 163 runs at a staggering strike rate of 153.77, Du Plessis left to participate in the SA20 competition.
Colin Munro – New Zealand
New Zealand’s Colin Munro, a consistent performer on the T20 circuit, played for Brisbane Heat in the previous season. With retention rights held by the Heat, Munro has the opportunity to continue his explosive batting display in the BBL|13.
Rilee Rossouw – South Africa
South African rising star Rilee Rossouw, previously with the Sydney Thunder, aims to bounce back from a challenging BBL|12 season. Despite his struggles, Rossouw’s potential remains undeniable, and he could find himself back with the Thunder under retention.
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Laurie Evans – England
England’s Laurie Evans, who faced a suspension but had it provisionally lifted, is poised for a potential comeback pending the resolution of anti-doping charges. If cleared, Evans could become a high-priority target for the Perth Scorchers, who hold retention rights for the versatile batter.
As the draft excitement builds, the BBL|13 is poised to showcase exceptional talent with varying degrees of experience and promise. The salary bands for the BBL|13 Draft reflect the league’s commitment to competitive cricket:
- Platinum: $420,000
- Gold: $300,000
- Silver: $200,000
- Bronze: $100,000
