BBL 2024-25 Draft: Usama Mir and Rishad Hossain Only Asian Players Picked
In the Big Bash League (BBL) draft held on Sunday (September 1), England players were in high demand, with 14 of them being selected across four rounds. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Usama Mir and Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain were the only Asian players picked in the draft.
First-Round Picks: A Strong Start for England and New Zealand Players
The draft’s first round saw four England players and three New Zealand players being selected. England opener Ben Duckett was the first overall pick, chosen by Melbourne Stars. James Vince, retained by Sydney Sixers, followed as the second pick. Laurie Evans was selected by Melbourne Renegades, while New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was picked by Sydney Thunder.
Shai Hope reunited with Ricky Ponting at Hobart Hurricanes, and Jamie Overton was retained by Adelaide Strikers. Brisbane Heat and Perth Scorchers went with their pre-signed players, Colin Munro and Finn Allen, respectively.
Second-Round Picks: New Faces and Retentions
The second round featured several pre-signed players being confirmed by their respective teams. Melbourne Stars retained Tom Curran, while the promising 20-year-old England all-rounder, Jacob Bethell, was chosen by Melbourne Renegades. Adelaide Strikers retained Ollie Pope, and Hobart Hurricanes retained Chris Jordan. Sydney Thunder pre-signed Sam Billings, while Sydney Sixers picked Akeal Hosein, their pre-signed player. Perth Scorchers opted to pass in this round.
Third-Round Picks: West Indian Presence and More Retentions
Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers both chose to pass in the third round. Adelaide Strikers selected West Indies all-rounder Fabian Allen, while Hobart Hurricanes decided to pass. Sydney Thunder brought in Sherfane Rutherford, and Melbourne Renegades retained Tim Seifert. Usama Mir was picked up by Melbourne Stars, marking the only Asian player selected in this round.
Fourth-Round Picks: Rishad Hossain Among Last Picks
The fourth and final round saw a number of teams passing on their picks. Hobart Hurricanes selected Bangladesh legspinner Rishad Hossain as their last pick. Brisbane Heat chose Tom Alsop, Perth Scorchers signed England’s Keaton Jennings, and Sydney Sixers made Jafer Chohan the last pick of the draft.
Full List of Picks
First-round picks:
- Ben Duckett (Melbourne Stars)
- James Vince (Sydney Sixers – Retention)
- Laurie Evans (Melbourne Renegades)
- Lockie Ferguson (Sydney Thunder)
- Shai Hope (Hobart Hurricanes)
- Jamie Overton (Adelaide Strikers – Retention)
- Colin Munro (Brisbane Heat – Pre-signed player)
- Finn Allen (Perth Scorchers – Pre-signed player)
Second-round picks:
- Tom Curran (Melbourne Stars – Pre-signed player)
- Jacob Bethell (Melbourne Renegades)
- Ollie Pope (Adelaide Strikers – Pre-signed player)
- Chris Jordan (Hobart Hurricanes – Pre-signed player)
- Sam Billings (Sydney Thunder – Pre-signed player)
- Akeal Hosein (Sydney Sixers – Pre-signed player)
- Paul Walter (Brisbane Heat)
- Passed (Perth Scorchers)
Third-round picks:
- Passed (Sydney Sixers)
- Matthew Hurst (Perth Scorchers)
- Passed (Brisbane Heat)
- Fabian Allen (Adelaide Strikers)
- Passed (Hobart Hurricanes)
- Sherfane Rutherford (Sydney Thunder)
- Tim Seifert (Melbourne Renegades – Pre-signed player)
- Usama Mir (Melbourne Stars)
Fourth-round picks:
- Passed (Melbourne Stars)
- Passed (Melbourne Renegades)
- Passed (Sydney Thunder)
- Rishad Hossain (Hobart Hurricanes)
- Passed (Adelaide Strikers)
- Tom Alsop (Brisbane Heat)
- Keaton Jennings (Perth Scorchers)
- Jafer Chohan (Sydney Sixers)
2024-25 Big Bash League Season to Begin in December
The upcoming 2024-25 BBL season will kick off on December 15, with defending champions Perth Scorchers hosting Melbourne Stars. The tournament will feature 44 matches, including the grand final on January 25, 2025. Fans can expect a thrilling season as the world’s best cricketers converge in Australia for another exciting edition of the Big Bash League.
