The 13th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) has its schedule set from December 7, 2023, to January 24, 2024. Excitement is building among fans, boosting cricket's Simulated Reality League (SRL) to gain popularity worldwide
Playing simulated reality league cricket live gives fans a chance to live the matches anytime, anywhere. To make these simulations more immersive, knowing the latest updates about the league is key. Here’s some mind-blowing news from the BBL 2023 Draft.
01: The Return Of Rashid Khan
Afghanistan's cricket star, Rashid Khan, is set to return to the BBL after previously boycotting it due to Cricket Australia's withdrawal from a series with Afghanistan on human rights grounds. He is now likely to be retained by the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming BBL season.
02: Shadab Khan's Unexpected Omission
Shadab Khan, the Pakistani leg-spinner and a former platinum player for the Hobart Hurricanes, won't be part of the upcoming BBL season. Despite his No. 4 ranking in the ICC's T20I all-rounder list and his notable performance in the T20 World Cup, his availability became a key factor in the decision not to retain him.
03: Martin Guptill Fails To Secure A Spot
Despite being the third-leading run-scorer in T20I history and scoring an impressive century in the Caribbean Premier League, Martin Guptill did not secure a Big Bash League contract. His poor performance with the Melbourne Renegades last season, with 165 runs in 11 innings with a strike rate of 107.14, likely contributed to this decision.
04: Adam Zampa Moves In With Cross-town Rivals
Melbourne Stars have traded star leg spinner Adam Zampa to arch-rivals Melbourne Renegades. Zampa, who captained the Stars last year, had signed a two-year contract extension before the previous season. Zampa took 98 wickets for the Stars in eight seasons and was named Player of the Tournament in 2020-21.
05: Nathan Lyon Leaves Sydney Sixers
Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has ended his decade-long career with the Sydney Sixers in the BBL to sign a three-year deal with the Melbourne Renegades. However, his immediate participation for the Renegades may be delayed due to a calf injury sustained during the Ashes 2023 Test series against England.
06: The Sixers Takes In Rehan Ahmed
Rehan Ahmed made his international debut in all formats before turning 19, taking a five-wicket haul against Pakistan. The Sydney Sixers picked him as a bronze selection in the final round. However, whether Ahmed will be available for the Big Bash finals depends on his Test selection for England.
07: Jamie Overton Joins Adelaide Strikers
The Hundred's standout player, Jamie Overton, has gained recognition for his powerful batting and fast bowling skills. His ability to deliver a "heavy ball," as noted by former Australian coach Darren Lehmann, will be well-suited to his new home ground, Adelaide Oval.
08: Quinton De Kock Returns From Retirement
Quinton de Kock, known for his destructive batting, will join the Melbourne Renegades for BBL|13 after announcing his retirement from ODIs following the World Cup. His selection was expected due to his impressive recent performances, including an 88 not out and 87 in the Major League Cricket finals.
09: Corey Anderson’s Surprise Selection
Former New Zealand international Corey Anderson was a surprise selection by the Hobart Hurricanes. Anderson showed impressive performance in the Major League Cricket, including a 52-ball 91 with seven sixes He last played for New Zealand almost five years ago in a T20 match against Pakistan in November 2018.
10: Nicholas Pooran Pulls Out
West Indian wicket-keeper batter Nicholas Pooran has unexpectedly withdrawn from the draft, despite his availability until the grand finale. It is believed that the West Indies' white-ball series against England in December may have influenced his decision. Pooran, who previously played for the Melbourne Stars in the 2020/21 BBL, has been in excellent T20 form, being named Player of the Series in West Indies' recent T20I series against India.
