Perth Scorchers have strengthened their quest to go one better than last season, retaining Western Australian duo Chloe Piparo and Mikayla Friday for the 12th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League. The signings add experience, leadership and batting depth to a squad determined to convert another strong campaign into the club’s second WBBL title.
Piparo’s recommitment carries particular significance. A WA-born and bred cricketer, she will embark on a 12th season in orange, underlining her status as one of the Scorchers’ longest-serving and most recognisable figures. Her 121 appearances are second only to decorated BBL captain Ashton Turner’s 149 matches for the club, a testament to her durability and importance across more than a decade of the competition.
A member of Perth’s championship-winning side in WBBL 07 in 2021-22, Piparo brings valuable institutional knowledge to a squad led by New Zealand star Sophie Devine. She has featured in 121 matches with the bat, scoring 919 runs at an average of 13.71 and a strike rate of 97.04 in 82 innings, with an unbeaten half-century to her name. While her numbers may not leap off the page, her value lies in her familiarity with the club, calm presence and ability to guide younger players through the demands of a long T20 tournament.
“I feel incredibly proud and privileged to be with the Scorchers for the past 12 years. It’s a special environment to be involved in, and I’m grateful to be able to be part of this year’s squad,” Piparo said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing how the team comes together this year and playing whatever role I can to help us have a successful season.”
Friday, meanwhile, returns for a fourth season in the West. Now approaching her fourth stint with the Scorchers, she has amassed 79 WBBL appearances across periods with Perth in WBBL 03 and WBBL 10 to WBBL 12, as well as Brisbane Heat, Sydney Thunder and Hobart Hurricanes. That journey has shaped her into a dependable middle-order batter with a clear understanding of different match situations and dressing-room cultures.
Her arrival further deepens a formidable batting line-up already boasting Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, England’s Freya Kemp and Katie Mack. Friday’s versatility and team-first approach give the Scorchers flexibility in the middle overs, an area that could prove decisive as they aim to improve on last season’s near-miss. “Perth Scorchers have become a huge part of my cricketing journey, and I’m really excited for the opportunity to continue in orange,” Friday said.
The culture we’ve built within the group is something special, and it’s exciting to be part of what’s ahead this season. I’m looking forward to contributing on and off the field as we hopefully go one step further this season by lifting the trophy at the end of the tournament.”
The Scorchers enter WBBL 12 with unfinished business. They finished third on the points table in the previous edition with 12 points from 10 games, recording six wins and four defeats, before reaching the final. Their campaign ultimately ended in an eight-wicket defeat to the Hobart Hurricanes on December 13, 2025, leaving Perth as runners-up for a third time after previous decider losses in WBBL 02 and WBBL 03.
Perth Scorchers General Manager Kade Harvey believes the returns of Piparo and Friday reflect the club’s broader strategy of retaining proven performers. “Chloe has been a significant figure in WA Cricket for many years and continues to bring outstanding leadership, experience and competitiveness to our group,” Harvey said.
“Mikayla is a respected member of the squad whose versatility and team-first approach make her an incredibly valuable player. Retaining quality people is a key priority for us, and we are looking forward to seeing the impact both players will continue to have as we push to go one better this season.”
Both players are currently in action for the Scorchers in the T20 Spring Challenge, with Friday making 96 runs in two innings. Their early form will encourage a club that still has two list spots to fill before opening its WBBL 12 campaign against Melbourne Renegades at the WACA Ground on October 31.
With a settled core, elite overseas talent and two loyal local players recommitted to the cause, the Scorchers have laid a strong foundation for another title challenge. For Piparo and Friday, the ambition is simple: turn Perth’s consistency into the trophy that has narrowly escaped them.
(Quotes sources from Perth Scorchers press release)
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.