Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) is set to introduce new rules that will affect the draft and retention window for the upcoming season. These changes aim to enhance trading opportunities and allow clubs greater flexibility in securing players for their teams.
The updated regulations will still require clubs to make at least one selection in each round of the draft. However, a significant change permits potential trades between two clubs across multiple rounds. This means that both teams can strategically move up or down the order in different rounds. For example, Team A, which initially had the seventh overall pick, can trade picks 15 and 18 to Team B, who held the second overall pick. In return, Team A receives picks 10 and 23, enabling them to ascend in the second round but descend in the subsequent third round.
Trades can also involve players being included alongside picks, allowing clubs to negotiate deals in the same round. For instance, Team C might trade a domestic player and their first-round pick to Team D in exchange for an earlier first-round pick. This scenario proves advantageous for a club if they intend to pass in a particular round or prioritize acquiring top talent.
The new trading system is not limited to two clubs; it can involve multiple clubs engaging in player-and-pick exchanges, fostering a more dynamic and fluid transfer market. In addition, the WBBL competitions will introduce a week-long retention window. During this period, clubs will have the first opportunity to re-sign up to 10 players excluding overseas and local replacement players.
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Cricket Australia has decided to keep the WBBL unchanged with a full season of 59 matches (56 regulars while three finals) while shrinking the men’s Big Bash League.
The inaugural WBBL draft is expected to be held in September.#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/PRgZMrYhyv
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The Clubs will also have the opportunity to utilize the retention window, with the Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat, and Renegades each having three list spots available. The Sydney Sixers will have four spots, while the Hobart Hurricanes, Perth Scorchers, and Sydney Thunder will have five. The Melbourne Stars lead the pack with six spots available for retention.
These exciting changes to the draft and retention window promise to inject fresh energy and strategic possibilities into the upcoming season, ensuring an enthralling and dynamic competition for players. The date for player nominations is yet to be announced, but the league will release a public list of overseas players who have been nominated for the draft and what salary band they have been nominated for. The draft is expected to be similar to the system employed for last yearโs inaugural Big Bash League (BBL) draft.
The new draft system as well promises to increase the level of competition in the WBBL, with overseas players now being given a more formal process to join the league. It also provides a more transparent and fair salary system for all players. Clubs will now have to strategize and plan their team composition around the new rules, ensuring a more competitive and exciting season for players and fans alike. The WBBL continues to evolve, and the introduction of the draft system for overseas players is yet another step in the right direction for women’s cricket in Australia.
Source: cricket.com.au
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