Leading Women Cricketers Shaking Up the BBL Draft Nominations

Cricket Australia has set the stage for another thrilling season of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) with the announcement of the overseas draft nominations. The draft, scheduled for September 1, will see 161 cricketers from around the globe vying for a spot in one of the eight WBBL franchises. This year’s draft promises to be especially exciting, with a mix of seasoned stars and emerging talents.

Deepti Sharma

Leading the pack in this year’s draft is Deepti Sharma, the rising star of Indian cricket. Deepti’s all-round capabilities have been a game-changer for her teams. She was the standout bowler in the Asia Cup 2024 with 10 wickets in five games and played a crucial role in London Spirit’s triumph in The Hundred by contributing 212 runs and eight wickets.

In the WBBL, Deepti Sharma has been a one-woman showstopper, amassing 211 runs and 13 wickets in just 13 matches. Her flair for delivering clutch performances makes her the draft’s most sought-after star. With her all-round magic, Deepti’s the ace up any team’s sleeve for WBBL glory.

Shabnim Ismail

South Africa’s pace leader, Shabnim Ismail, is a pivotal player in the draft. Renowned for her aggressive pace and wicket-taking prowess, Ismail has amassed 123 T20I wickets with an impressive economy rate of 5.77. In The Hundred 2024, she maintained her strong form, claiming five wickets in five matches with an economy rate of 6.07.

Ismail’s WBBL record is equally noteworthy, featuring 51 wickets from 58 matches. Her knack for taking crucial wickets and managing run rates makes her a valuable asset for any franchise aiming to bolster their bowling attack.

Heather Knight

England's captain Heather Knight is another prominent name in the WBBL draft. Her leadership and batting skills are well-recognized, as she gears up for the upcoming women's T20 World Cup. Knight’s recent performances in The Hundred were particularly noteworthy, where she scored 271 runs at an impressive average of 45.16, including a standout 65* off 31 balls.

Knight's experience in the WBBL is extensive, with 2,083 runs and 54 wickets in 85 matches. Her all-round capabilities and leadership qualities make her a valuable player, and she may be retained by her previous franchise, Sydney Thunder.

Chloe Tryon

Chloe Tryon, the South African dynamo, has been smashing it in T20 cricket like a kid in a candy store. With over 1,100 runs and 35 wickets from 99 T20 Internationals, she’s basically the Swiss Army knife of cricket. This year, she’s been on fire—racking up vital runs like she’s got a personal vendetta against low scores. In The Hundred, she dazzled with unbeaten 47 and 55, while in the CPL, she turned into a bowling magician with 4/31 for the Warriors.

In the WBBL, Tryon has previously shown her prowess with 786 runs and 17 wickets across 40 matches. Her explosive batting and handy bowling make her a valuable asset for any team. With her availability for the entire tournament, she is likely to be a top pick in the draft.