The 13th instalment of the Big Bash League (BBL) is set to commence in early December, with a streamlined schedule set to be introduced.
Before then, the squads will be finalised and the BBL overseas draft is slated for 3rd September 2023. The teams will select their players in a specific pre-determined order, with one retention allowed per side.
How many players have nominated for BBL draft 2023?
A total of 376 overseas players from 29 countries have put their names forward for the BBL overseas draft. A large percentage of those are from England, while Pakistan, West Indies and Afghanistan also have a plethora of options for the franchises to peruse.
There is a mix of top international players, young talent and seasoned pros that make up the lists. Availability is one of the biggest question marks hanging over the draft, with tournaments such as the SA20 and ILT20 starting towards the end of BBL 13, as well as international tours for the likes of England and Pakistan.
Who are the players in the platinum category ahead of the 2023 BBL draft?
25 players have been chosen as platinum picks in the 2023 BBL overseas draft. Two of those, Mohammad Rizwan and Nicholas Pooran, have pulled out on the eve of the draft.
There are 14 English platinum players, with eight of those being eligible to be retained. Those eight are Sam Billings for the Brisbane Heat, Joe Clarke for the Melbourne Stars, Tom Curran, James Vince and Chris Jordan for the Sydney Sixers, Alex Hales for the Sydney Thunder and Tymal Mills and Phil Salt for the Perth Scorchers.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe other six English players in the platinum category are Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Will Jacks, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Dawid Malan and newly-minted England t20 international Gus Atkinson.
Others available to be retained are Faf du Plessis for the Scorchers, Martin Guptill for the Melbourne Renegades, Rashid Khan for the Adelaide Strikers, Colin Munro and Mujeeb Ur Rahman for the Heat, Haris Rauf for the Stars, Rilee Rossouw for the Thunder and Shadab Khan for the Hobart Hurricanes.
The other platinum overseas pick is the South Africa star Quinton de Kock, who will of course be readying himself for the second season of the SA20 but should still attract significant interest.Embed from Getty Images
Who might BBL teams look at in the overseas draft?
The aforementioned availability issues are likely to play a big part in the decisions that clubs make in the draft. There are some world class players available, from Brook and de Kock to Rashid and Shadab, but most will be otherwise engaged at points throughout the BBL.
Here are some outside picks who could be useful given their availability.
Noor Ahmad
The Afghan international has accrued a tremendous amount of experience in t20 leagues around the world despite his young age.
He emerged as a strong part of the Gujarat Titans side who finished as runners-up in their defence of the IPL title in 2023.
His left-arm leg-spin could provide a solid attacking option for those seeking strength in the spin department.
Nathan Sowter
Another leg-spinner, Sowter has been superb this season in the t20 Blast with Durham and the Hundred with the winners Oval Invincibles.
He is Australian-born and will likely have full availability for the BBL season. An overseas slot in his country of birth would be a superb way to round out an impressive year.Embed from Getty Images
George Garton
Making his way back after a well-documented struggle with long Covid, Garton has always been touted as a top all-round prospect.
He has represented England and played in the IPL and looks set to be back to his best.
His pace and left-arm angle could suit a few sides, while his hitting ability down the order is something that can often be invaluable.
Harry Tector
The Irish international continues to impress and he is the type of signing that BBL sides have looked at in recent seasons.
He looks to have solid availability and could prove to be a shrewd pickup for the middle order.Embed from Getty Images
Saim Ayub
A left-hander with significant promise, Saim had a stunning PSL 2023 season for Peshawar Zalmi.
He formed part of a fiercely productive top three along with Babar Azam and Mohamad Haris.
Ihsanullah
Another huge talent that truly broke through in 2023 PSL season, Ihsanullah made waves with his searing pace and aggressive style.
His pace and approach to bowling could be a fascinating sight in Australia and is just the sort of signing that could take a side to the next level.
He was due to play for eventual winners Oval Invincibles in the Hundred 2023, but had to pull out so his fitness remains a question mark.
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