As the countdown to the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 11 Overseas Player Draft intensifies, the excitement is palpable across the women’s cricketing landscape. With the draft scheduled for June 19, clubs are fine-tuning their strategies, scanning the available talent pool for game-changing international stars. The Sydney Sixers, holding the coveted first pick, are in a commanding position as they begin a new chapter under head coach Matthew Mott. Despite their glittering history, the two-time champions have made the knockouts just once in the last six seasons, a statistic they are desperate to rewrite.
The first batch of overseas draft nominees has been released, featuring ten international stars, and with retention rights and draft tactics in play, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Here’s an in-depth look at the current draft landscape and what each club may be plotting.
Pick 1 – Sydney Sixers
The Sixers find themselves in an enviable position this time around. They not only hold the first pick but also retain rights to Sophie Ecclestone, who was fiercely contested in last year’s draft. The English spin sensation bagged 11 wickets in seven games during WBBL|10, thriving alongside Ashleigh Gardner and Amelia Kerr.
While Ecclestone remains a prime candidate, the Sixers might be tempted to pivot, considering the major void in their batting line-up last season. With Alyssa Healy and Erin Burns sidelined, Ellyse Perry carried the scoring load with 424 runs, while their next best, Sarah Bryce, managed 169. With Hollie Armitage contributing only 120 runs, there’s a real case to use the first pick on a high-impact batter to strengthen their top order.
Pick 2 – Adelaide Strikers
After sliding to seventh place following their back-to-back championship runs, the Strikers are determined to rebound. With Laura Wolvaardt locked in as their pre-signing, Adelaide may use their pick to diversify a top order that, while classy, lacked variety. Stars like Smriti Mandhana and Katie Mack offered consistency, but their similar playing styles may have contributed to a lack of dynamism.
Meanwhile, their bowling attack faltered last season, despite a standout campaign from Megan Schutt. With depth in pace, the Strikers could target an overseas spinner or a spin-bowling all-rounder to reinvigorate their attack, especially with Jemma Barsby and Amanda-Jade Wellington already in the ranks.
Pick 3 – Melbourne Stars
With Marizanne Kapp already part of their arsenal, the Stars head into the draft with mixed feelings about last year’s picks. Deepti Sharma, their platinum signing, underwhelmed with both bat and ball, while Yastika Bhatia started well but faded before injury struck. The loss of Tess Flintoff to the Renegades has left an all-rounder-shaped hole in the squad. While Kim Garth and Annabel Sutherland bolster the pace ranks, the Stars are thin on spin and could benefit from an international-class spinner to pair with Sophie Day. Alternatively, a solid top-order batter with an aggressive edge could help balance a line-up still looking for a consistent partner for Meg Lanning.
Pick 4 – Perth Scorchers
Missing the finals again has prompted a rethink in Perth. Beth Mooney was brilliant with 386 runs, but a sharp drop in support from other batters like Sophie Devine (213), Amy Jones (87), and Hemalatha Dayalan (99) proved costly. Even replacement player Brooke Halliday outperformed the overseas contingent. Coach Becky Grundy has openly admitted the need to refine their draft approach, and securing a batting all-rounder seems essential. With Devine locked in on a multi-year deal, the Scorchers might choose to delay her selection to round two and use their first pick to plug the glaring gap in their batting depth.
Pick 5 – Hobart Hurricanes
There’s intrigue surrounding the Hurricanes, particularly following Lizelle Lee’s naturalisation, which opens up a valuable overseas slot. Currently without a declared pre-signing, the Hurricanes have their cards close to their chest. Last year, they unsuccessfully pursued Ecclestone, Knight, and Wolvaardt, eventually signing Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who averaged 17 in seven games. Chloe Tryon, taken at pick No.9, managed 83 runs and 4 wickets, but her impact was limited. With bowling variety, a concern—especially with similar styles from Nicola Carey and Heather Graham—a fast bowler or a power-hitting all-rounder who can bowl spin may be on their radar this time.
Pick 6 – Sydney Thunder
After retaining Heather Knight in the last draft, Thunder will likely aim to do so again, considering the crucial leadership role she played. The availability of Shabnim Ismail will be another key decision point. Her express pace was vital, and with Sammy-Jo Johnson’s retirement, they have a void to fill in the attack. With Chamari Athapaththu already re-signed and previously valued as a third-rounder, Thunder can approach this draft with flexibility. If Ismail is unavailable, a high-caliber quick could be prioritized to keep their bowling unit competitive.
Pick 7 – Melbourne Renegades
The Renegades took a bold step last year, drafting Deandra Dottin in the first round—a move that paid rich dividends as she played a central role in their title run. Hayley Matthews is already re-signed, and her allocation last year was in the second round at pick No.11. England’s Alice Capsey impressed more with the ball than the bat, but with Tess Flintoff joining their local ranks, the Renegades may turn to another top-order batter or a specialist fast bowler, especially with Tayla Vlaeminck still on the recovery path.
Pick 8 – Brisbane Heat
The Heat made two smart overseas calls last season—bringing in Jemimah Rodrigues, who excelled in tandem with Georgia Redmayne and Grace Harris, and Shikha Pandey, who addressed a critical void in their pace department. With Nadine de Klerk still under contract and Laura Harris departing to the Thunder, finding a reliable middle-order finisher becomes a top priority. They might explore whether an in-house solution exists or dip into the draft to fill that crucial role.
With June 19 inching closer, teams are scrambling to make key decisions: retain or rebuild, spin or pace, power or poise? One thing is certain—the WBBL|11 Draft promises to be a game-changer, and with talent like this up for grabs, the season ahead is already brimming with possibility.
First Drop of WBBL|11 Overseas Nominees:
Jemimah Rodrigues – India – Retainable by Brisbane Heat
Sophie Ecclestone – England – Retainable by Sydney Sixers
Deandra Dottin – West Indies – Retainable by Melbourne Renegades
Fatima Sana – Pakistan
Shabnim Ismail – South Africa – Retainable by Sydney Thunder
Heather Knight – England – Retainable by Sydney Thunder
Shikha Pandey – India – Retainable by Brisbane Heat
Chloe Tryon – South Africa – Retainable by Hobart Hurricanes
Danni Wyatt-Hodge – England – Retainable by Hobart Hurricanes
Lauren Bell –England
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