Big Bash introduces multi-year deals to aid overseas availability

Big Bash clubs will be able to sign multi-year contracts with international talent to keep foreign players in the tournament longer.

The Big Bash League will allow overseas stars to bypass the draft and sign multi-year deals with clubs as part of another change to player contracts ahead of the Webber WBBL|10 and KFC BBL|14.

Cricket Australia today announced that each club will be allowed to contract one overseas player for a maximum of three years in both the men’s and women’s competitions, allowing them to bypass the draft lottery and negotiate directly with the team of their choice. Will get it.

The caveat is that from WBBL|11 and BBL|15 onwards, they are required to be available for the entire season, including the finals, designed to help mitigate the loss of international players to rival T20 leagues in the second half Is. Men’s Big Bash season.

The women’s global T20 calendar is becoming increasingly crowded with India’s Women’s Premier League, England’s Hundred as well as the competitions of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, established since 2020.

“We have worked closely with the clubs and ACA (Australian Cricketers’ Association) to develop and grow the Big Bash, and the main focus is on ensuring the best players continue to compete in the Big Bash and for a longer period of time.” Alistair Dobson, General Manager of the Big Bash League of CA.

“The opportunity for international players to sign multi-year deals with teams not only strengthens the global appeal of the league but also provides clubs with greater stability and strategic planning capabilities.”

Over the past two BBL seasons – since the introduction of South Africa’s new franchise league (starting in early January) and the UAE’s International League T20 competition (starting in mid-January) – there has been a growing need for Big Bash clubs to retain foreign talent. It has become difficult. throughout the season despite the introduction of a new draft system prior to BBL|12.

This includes last season’s champions Brisbane Heat, who lost both stand-in captain Colin Munro and wicketkeeper Sam Billings in the UAE competition before the final, with Paul Walter their only remaining overseas player as they won the title under Nathan McSweeney. Had won.

Defeated finalists Sydney Sixers also lost opening batsman James Vince to the UAE, Adelaide Strikers – who had lost to the Heat in the Challenger – lost Adam Hose and Jamie Overton, while Perth Scorchers saw crowd favorite Laurie Evans depart, Which means all four BBL|13 finalists were affected during the crucial knockout stage of the season.

While overseas players were required to notify their availability prior to the draft, Chris Jordan, Corey Anderson (both Hobart Hurricanes), Alex Hales (Thunder) and Walter (Heat) were the only four players drafted for BBL|13. Those who had not gone before. His club’s campaign was over.

Munro was advocating longer deals for foreign players when leaving to join the Desert Vipers, while Evans said after his final match of BBL|13 that he felt more games could be squeezed into a shorter period. Could.

“10 games is about right, but I definitely think we can shorten the start and end,” he said.

“With The Hundred in England, they want to get it done in a month and it’s a tough schedule but that’s the game we’re in.

“We have a lot of downtime (between games) and I think that’s how you get the best players back and make the finals without any struggles.”

Next summer’s Big Bash fixtures are expected to be released in the coming months, but it is not expected that the length of time from start to finish of the men’s tournament will change significantly from last season’s 49 days.

The new multi-year signing rule comes into effect with immediate effect, with the men’s contract ban for BBL|14 lifted today.

In line with the previous year, the contract period begins with a retention and trade week (new for this season), giving clubs the opportunity to fill 10 of the 15 list places allocated for domestic players.

Another added feature this season will allow clubs to sign any player holding a CA contract during the retention week outside the 10 available places, even if they have not previously played for their team.

The full contract period for all free agents begins on Tuesday, April 9, following retention week, which also includes the opportunity to sign an international player.

The WBBL|10 contracting window is set to open in the coming weeks after the length of the new season is decided, with league officials understood to be considering reducing the women’s tournament after moving the men’s competition to a 10-match domestic format. Are discussing about. -Away fixtures for each club in the previous season.

The new multi-year contract option replaces the direct nomination rule that was in place during last season’s inaugural WBBL Draft, which resulted in all clubs passing on one of their three selections except Sydney Thunder, which had only one overall. 17 players were selected in the women’s draft.

Clubs can pre-sign foreign players on one, two or three-year deals at one of the existing draft salary bands (platinum, gold, silver and bronze) or at a negotiated price above the platinum rate, which is $50 per season. Was 420,000. $110,000 for men’s players in BBL|13 or $110,000 for women’s players in WBBL|09.

draft pay band

Clubs are still required to draft at least two foreign players each season, regardless of whether they have pre-signed a player or not.

Retention rules also do not apply as direct signings occur outside the draft, which gives rival clubs the opportunity to test the loyalty of stars such as Rashid Khan or Alex Hales with a more attractive offer.

You’ll want the best seat in the house for this season’s action! Priority access to tickets begins June 4 – register now