The upcoming season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024 is set to feature several prominent England players, but unfortunately, many of them will not be available for the entire duration of the tournament. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has informed these players that they will need to depart the WBBL early due to national commitments. This scheduling clash will prevent England’s stars from participating in the latter stages of the Australian T20 competition, leaving their respective WBBL teams without key players during crucial moments.
The reason behind England players’ absence
The primary reason for the early departure of England players from the WBBL is their upcoming tour of South Africa, which begins in mid-November 2024. The ECB has made it clear that any player selected for the T20I or ODI squads for this tour will need to report for international duty. The tour includes three T20Is, starting on November 24, and three ODIs, beginning on December 4. A one-off Test match against South Africa will also take place from December 15. As a result, England players will need to leave Australia and travel to South Africa well before the conclusion of the WBBL, which runs from October 27 to mid-December.
Jonathan Finch, Director of England Women’s Cricket, emphasized that this decision was communicated to the players and their agents ahead of the WBBL draft, ensuring transparency about the conflict.
“If a player is selected for the T20 squad, we expect them in South Africa by November 17, and for those named in the ODI squad, they need to arrive by November 27,” Finch said. This has been factored into the availability of the players who entered the draft.
Also READ: Women’s Big Bash League 2024/25: Squads of all 8 teams after the WBBL|10 draft
England players involved in WBBL 2024
Despite the inevitable scheduling conflict, several top England players were still drafted into the WBBL 2024. Among them, Danni Wyatt was picked by Hobart Hurricanes, while Sophie Ecclestone and Heather Knight were retained by Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, respectively, all at the prestigious platinum level.
Alice Capsey made a move from Melbourne Stars to Melbourne Renegades, and Amy Jones returned to Perth Scorchers, both on gold-level contracts. Additionally, Hollie Armitage and Georgia Adams, who are currently on tour with England in Ireland, were signed by the Sixers and Thunder at the bronze level.
These signings reflect the high demand for England players in the WBBL, despite the knowledge that they may not be available for the entire tournament. Their performances will still be highly anticipated, as they bring both experience and star power to their respective teams.
