Some of the standout names in the draft include the most successful fast bowler in Test history, 42-year-old James Anderson, and former Indian pacer Siddarth Kaul.
A group of Bangladeshi cricketers, including Mustafizur Rahman, Rishad Hossain, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, have registered for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) draft—Australia’s premier T20 franchise tournament. In total, 11 Bangladeshi players have put their names forward.
The draft for both the men’s and women’s overseas players will take place in Melbourne this Thursday. On Tuesday, league organizers released the full list of draft-eligible players. A total of 440 male cricketers from various countries are in contention.
From Bangladesh, the list includes Mustafizur, Rishad, and Miraz, as well as Sheikh Mehedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan, Tanzid Hasan, Shamim Hossain, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Soumya Sarkar, and Towhid Hridoy.
None of these players have played in the Big Bash before. So far, Shakib Al Hasan remains the only Bangladeshi to have featured in the tournament.
Rishad Hossain was picked in last season’s draft by Hobart Hurricanes, but the leg-spinner couldn’t join due to various complications.
One of the biggest names in this year’s draft is James Anderson. The legendary English pacer retired from Test cricket in July last year. He had expressed interest in playing in South Africa’s SA20 and the IPL, but didn’t get picked by any team.
Earlier this month, Anderson made a return to T20 cricket after nearly 11 years, playing for Lancashire in the Vitality Blast. In his comeback match, he took 3 wickets for 17 runs—his career-best T20 figures. He went on to claim three wickets in two more of his next three games.
Set to turn 43 next month, all eyes will be on whether Anderson finds a place in any BBL squad.
Another notable name in the draft is former Indian pacer Siddarth Kaul. He played three ODIs and three T20Is for India and officially retired from Indian cricket last year to pursue opportunities in overseas leagues. The BCCI does not allow active domestic players to participate in foreign franchise tournaments.
Kaul brings IPL experience, having played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Apart from players from Test-playing nations, the draft also includes cricketers from ICC Associate members such as Canada, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, the UAE, the USA, and Scotland.
Each of the eight BBL teams must pick at least two players from the draft, with a maximum of four allowed. According to league rules, every team has already pre-signed one overseas player ahead of the draft.
