Sydney Thunder will head into the upcoming Weber WBBL|10 Draft with Pick 5, following the Draft Lottery for this year’s event.
Thunder earn Pick 5 for Weber WBBL|10 Draft
The Draft Lottery – which was conducted via two draws – saw Picks 1-4 drawn from teams that did not participate in the WBBL|09 Finals, with last season’s finalists then drawing for Picks 5-8.
Finalists last summer and finishing fourth overall, Thunder drew the best possible outcome available, selecting Pick 5 for this year’s Draft.
The order of selections for the WBBL|10 Draft as determined via the Draft Lottery:
1. Hobart Hurricanes
2. Sydney Sixers
3. Melbourne Renegades
4. Melbourne Stars
5. Sydney Thunder
6. Adelaide Strikers
7. Brisbane Heat
8. Perth Scorchers
Thunder entered last year’s inaugural WBBL Draft with the #1 selection overall – drafting all-rounder Marizanne Kapp with the first pick, in addition to English captain Heather Knight at Pick 9 and quick Lauren Bell at Pick 18.
Confirmation of the Lottery outcome follows today’s earlier announcement of a two-year extension with WBBL naming rights partner, Weber Barbecues. First joining forces with the WBBL in 2021, Weber is set to continue their support as the League approaches its milestone 10th season later this year.
The Weber WBBL|10 Draft will be conducted in four rounds, outlined below.
|
Round |
Eligible players |
Selection order |
|
One |
Platinum |
1 to 8 |
|
Two |
Platinum, Gold |
1 to 8 |
|
Three |
Gold, Silver |
8 to 1* |
|
Four |
Silver, Bronze |
1 to 8 |
* Round three is conducted in reverse order, i.e. Perth Scorchers to pick first.
Clubs may select up to four overseas players in the Draft. This is inclusive of any pre-signed, multi-year international player – these players must be allocated to a Draft pick during the event, commensurate with the player’s salary band. The fourth player selected becomes the club’s first overseas replacement player.
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, said:
“The Draft Lottery forms a major piece of the puzzle as we build up to the Draft and Season 10 of Weber WBBL.
“The order of selections is vital for each club as they build their Draft strategy, which is even more intriguing this year with the addition of the pre-signed, multi-year internationals."
Dates and broadcast details for the Draft will be announced shortly.