The Big Bash League (BBL) draft for the 2024-25 season, held on Sunday, September 1, saw a significant demand for England players, with 14 of them selected across the four rounds. In addition, Usama Mir from Pakistan and Rishad Hossain from Bangladesh were the only Asian players picked, highlighting the global appeal of the tournament.
First round: Four players from England and three from New Zealand were chosen. Ben Duckett, the England opener, was the first overall pick, being selected by Melbourne Stars, while James Vince was retained by Sydney Sixers. Other key selections included Laurie Evans for Melbourne Renegades and New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson for Sydney Thunder. Shai Hope joined Hobart Hurricanes, reuniting with Ricky Ponting, and Jamie Overton was snapped up by Adelaide Strikers. Brisbane Heat and Perth Scorchers stuck with their pre-signed players, Colin Munro and Finn Allen.
Second round: Tom Curran was selected by Melbourne Stars as their pre-signed player, while young English all-rounder Jacob Bethell joined Melbourne Renegades. Ollie Pope (Adelaide Strikers), Chris Jordan (Hobart Hurricanes), and Sam Billings (Sydney Thunder) were also selected as pre-signed players. The Perth Scorchers passed on their second-round pick, while the Sydney Sixers selected their pre-signed player, Akeal Hosein.
Third round: Several teams opting to pass, including the Sydney Sixers, Perth Scorchers, and Hobart Hurricanes. The Adelaide Strikers roped in West Indian all-rounder Fabian Allen, while Sydney Thunder picked Sherfane Rutherford. Melbourne Renegades confirmed Tim Seifert as their pre-signed player, and Melbourne Stars selected Usama Mir, one of the two Asian players in the draft.
Fourth round: Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades, and Sydney Thunder passed on their picks, while the Hobart Hurricanes selected Rishad Hossain, a legspinner from Bangladesh. The Brisbane Heat picked Tom Alsop, and the Perth Scorchers signed Keaton Jennings. The final pick of the draft was Jafer Chohan, who joined the Sydney Sixers.
The 2024-25 Big Bash League season is set to kick off on December 15, with defending champions Perth Scorchers hosting the Melbourne Stars. The tournament will feature 44 matches, culminating in the final on January 25, 2025.
