Big Bash Draft shifted to an earlier date in order to acquire the best overseas talent as possible for the league.
Big Bash draft havs been brought forward to mid-June in an attempt to ensure the men’s tournament has first pick at leading overseas players.
This year’s drafts will take place on June 19, which is between the World Test Championship final and the beginning of the men’s tour of the West Indies. Historically, the drafts have taken place in late August or early September.
Through a weighted lottery based on finishing positions from the previous season, the Brisbane Heat were able to clinch selection one in the BBL draft, while the Sydney Sixers had the same advantage in the WBBL. The Hobart Hurricanes, the reigning BBL champions, have the fifth choice, while the Melbourne Renegades, the WBBL champions, get the seventh. Draft selections are exchangeable.
Given the other leagues that also take place in January, particularly the SA20 and ILT20, the BBL faces an exceptionally difficult time attracting top international players and keeping them for the duration of the tournament.
Due to a camp in Dubai prior to the Sri Lanka series, Australia’s Test players were unavailable for the playoffs last season, which made matters worse.
Although there may be pressure on those competing in the T20 World Cup, as Australia is expected to have a warm-up series prior to the tournament, which is scheduled to begin in early February, there is hope that they will be able to play until the end of the competition next season, following the conclusion of the Ashes.
Even though the WBBL has a more fixed time slot, player availability issues still arise, primarily as a result of the growing international schedule.
The women’s ODI World Cup is also expected to push the WBBL later in the 2025–2026 season, and the finals may coincide with international series between South Africa, Bangladesh, Ireland, and India.
“We’re confident bringing the draft date forward will ensure greater certainty for clubs as they build their squads in the lead-up to another highly competitive season,” Alistair Dobson, the general manager of Big Bash Leagues, said.