Cricket Australia (CA) has announced the introduction of some changes to the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) from the forthcoming edition of the exciting tournament. The WBBL will now see players draft and will follow the footsteps of the men’s BBL, which brought a similar system for the 2022-23 season.
Moreover, significant alterations have been made to the definition of a ‘marquee player,’ altering the way clubs can form their 15-player rosters. Players from overseas will nominate for the draft, with the option to choose from the gold, silver, or bronze tiers. Following that, league officials will promote specific players they deem to be the most appealing draft prospects to the platinum tier ahead of the draft.
Notably, each club will have the opportunity to sign up to three overseas players through the draft, excluding replacement players. Additional information on the draft, such as the date and the selection order for teams, will be released later. However, it is projected to closely resemble the BBL’s draft process from last summer, with no major changes expected.
Further, a retention pick system is also possible, allowing clubs priority access to overseas players from the previous season. Although the specifics have not been confirmed. It is worth mentioning that last year’s BBL draft entitled each club to a single retention pick.
There is also a change in the ‘marquee’ players definition as any player, irrespective of domestic or foreign, earning $50,000 or more per season shall be considered a ‘marquee’ player. From the upcoming season, every club will be mandated to secure a minimum of five marquee players. Earlier, clubs could only take a maximum of five marquee players who were either CA-contracted Australians or overseas cricketers.
WBBL Draft Salary Bands:
- Platinum – $110k
- Gold – $90k
- Silver – $65k
- Bronze – $40k
