The Big Bash overseas player drafts for the upcoming 2025/26 season feature nearly 600 cricketers, including top names like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Zak Crawley, and Shamar Joseph. The drafts have been moved up to attract the best international talent and help clubs plan their rosters. The BBL and WBBL drafts will take place on June 19 in Melbourne, with live coverage on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports. The format for both drafts involves four rounds, with clubs required to pick a minimum of two new players. Players nominate salary bands, with platinum players eligible for rounds 1 or 2, gold players for rounds 2 or 3, and so on. Each club must also use a pick for a pre-draft overseas player. Retention picks are allowed, and some clubs have already signed players on multi-year deals. The draft order was determined by a weighted lottery, with the Brisbane Heat securing the top pick in the BBL draft. The Sydney Sixers have the first pick in the WBBL draft. Overall, the drafts promise to add excitement and depth to the Big Bash competitions.
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