Shaheen, Jemimah, Perera among 600+ global stars in BBL-WBBL Draft Pool

Shaheen, Jemimah, Perera among 600+ global stars in BBL-WBBL Draft Pool 

Asher Butt

The stage is set for one of the most anticipated player drafts in Big Bash history, with over 600 international cricketers registering for the KFC BBL|15 and Weber WBBL|11 Overseas Player Draft, scheduled for June 19.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Kusal Perera headline a stellar cast of first-round nominations revealed by Cricket Australia. With Brisbane Heat holding the No. 1 pick in the men’s draft, Shaheen—Pakistan’s electric left-arm pacer—is expected to be hot property. Joining him in the BBL draft pool are compatriots Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan, further strengthening Pakistan’s presence in Australia’s marquee T20 league.

The WBBL draft also features a compelling mix of experience and flair. Jemimah Rodrigues, known for her dynamism in T20 cricket, will be making her draft debut, alongside Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, who has entered the WBBL pool for the first time. England stalwarts Heather Knight, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, along with South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail and West Indies’ Deandra Dottin, round out a formidable women’s lineup.

Alistair Dobson, General Manager of the Big Bash Leagues, expressed excitement: “Having household names like Shaheen Afridi, Rizwan, Knight, and Ecclestone signals the continued global appeal of the Big Bash. This year’s early draft date gives clubs more certainty to shape their squads while thrilling fans with marquee talent.”

Unlike pre-signed players, those in the draft pool will be selected based on a four-round format—each tied to salary bands ranging from Platinum to Bronze. Clubs will pick at least three players, using retention picks where applicable.

Broadcast Details: The drafts will air live on The Seven Network, 7plus, FOX SPORTS, and Kayo Sports, with WBBL|11 starting at 4pm AEST, followed by BBL|15.

With anticipation building and team strategies unfolding, all eyes now turn to June 19—when Australia’s summer leagues will be reshaped by a fresh wave of international talent. Let me know if you'd like a breakdown of team fits for the Pakistani players or draft predictions ahead of the big day.