Latest news with #BBL15
Hans India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Adelaide Strikers re-sign Jemma Barsby and Liam Scott ahead of WBBL 11 & BBL 15
New Delhi: Adelaide Strikers have announced the re-signing of two pivotal players, Jemma Barsby and Liam Scott, ahead of the upcoming Women Big Bash League 11 and BBL 15 seasons. Jemma, a captain of the South Australian Women's Cricket team, joined the Strikers in WBBL 07 after successful stints with the Brisbane Heat and Perth Scorchers. The two-time WBBL Strikers Championship winner made an immediate impact in her first season in blue, boasting the second-best bowling economy amongst her teammates. She adds another option to Strikers spin attack this season that will feature England's Sophie Ecclestone alongside leg-spinners Amanda-Jade Wellington and Anesu Mushangwe. "It's an absolute privilege to continue my journey with the Adelaide Strikers. Winning two championships with this group has been incredibly special, and I'm excited to see what we can achieve together in the upcoming season. I love the team culture, and I'm eager to get back out there with the girls," Barsby said in a statement sgared by the Strikers. Scott, a dynamic all-rounder, made his debut for the Strikers in BBL 10 and was a crucial local replacement player last season. A prominent member of the South Australia Men's team, Scott's exceptional form was recently recognised with the Player of the Tournament award for the 2024/25 One-Day Cup campaign. He established himself during the Strikers' final match of BBL 14, delivering a standout performance with a vital 67 runs from just 43 balls. This impactful innings, featuring four fours and five sixes, marked his maiden Big Bash half-century. "I'm absolutely thrilled to be signing with the Strikers again. This club feels like home, and I've loved every moment I play here. The support from the fans and the team environment is incredible, and I'm really looking forward to contributing to more success in the upcoming season," said Scott. Head Coach Tim Paine said, "Having Liam back in the squad is fantastic news for us. He's a player with immense talent and a real fighting spirit. His development has been remarkable, and we believe he'll continue to be a significant asset for the Strikers."
News.com.au
02-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
The 42-day Big Bash season won't include games on Christmas Day or Australia Day
Big Bash officials have once again baulked at putting a match on Christmas Day and will finish the 42-day tournament on the eve of Australia Day. Only a washout of the final will put cricket on January 26. A December 14 start for the tournament has been locked in with a Boxing Day showdown between the Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars and a 13th consecutive News Year's Eve clash in Adelaide among the fixture highlights. Pakistan star Babar Azam looms as the headline international act this season, with several of his teammates, including speed demon Shaheen Shaf Afridi, joining the playing ranks. An Ashes Test series will rob the Big Bash of the best Australian and English talent until the final two or three weeks of the tournament, which will finish on January 25, with January 26 slotted as a reserve day for the final. Here it is! Your #BBL15 schedule has landed ðŸ—'ï¸� — KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) July 2, 2025 Cricket Australia hasn't played on January 26 since 2023 and has refrained from any mention of Australia Day amid concerns from some players, including Indigenous women's star Ash Gardner, about the implications of playing on a day that has different significance among Australians. Christmas Day was also ruled out, meaning the NBL remains the only Australian sport willing to take the plunge on that day. 'With uninterrupted action every night of the regular season and all the marquee games our fans love, this schedule ensures the BBL remains the heartbeat of summer,' Big Bash boss Alastair Dobson said. 'The fan-favourite fixtures, combined with the family-friendly entertainment that makes the Big Bash, has BBL|15 well positioned to build on the success of last summer. 'We were blown away by the quality of overseas talent signed via the BBL draft and can't wait to see these global superstars in action alongside some of Australia's biggest names.' Despite making himself eligible, English pace ace Jofra Archer was overlooked in the BBL draft, with clubs fearful he would be unavailable due to the Ashes.
Express Tribune
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Finch excited about Babar, Smith batting together
Former Australia T20I captain Aaron Finch has expressed his excitement over the potential pairing of Pakistan superstar Babar Azam and Australian batting maestro Steve Smith for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season 15. Earlier this month, the Sydney Sixers confirmed the signing of Babar as their direct overseas player for BBL 15. With the Pakistan captain expected to be available for the full season, there is a strong possibility that he will share the crease with Steve Smith, following the conclusion of the NRMA Insurance Test series — scheduled to wrap up by January 8. Finch discussed the prospect on The Surge: Big Bash Podcast alongside host Adam White, calling the idea of Babar and Smith playing together "extraordinary." "How extraordinary. Steve Smith, anytime he's played in the Big Bash, he's looked a class above everybody else", said Finch. "Then you throw in probably the most beautiful batter in the world, Babar Azam — I'm sure they're both looking forward to it as much as we are as fans." While the two have faced off in international cricket across formats, BBL 15 could mark their first time as teammates, donning the magenta of the Sydney Sixers. Finch believes moments like these can reignite motivation for even the most seasoned players. "Steve hasn't played with Babar before anywhere around the world, so to get that opportunity, they're (the) kind of things that keep you going when you're getting towards the end of your career. "I'm not saying for any moment that Steve Smith is towards the end, but as you get on, and you've ticked almost every single box, you get a lot of joy out of small things like that." When asked if Smith would try to outperform Babar should they bat together, Finch didn't hesitate. "100 per cent. He tries to out-bat anybody," said Finch. Smith made a strong impression in last season's BBL, scoring 173 runs in three matches, including an unbeaten 121 off just 64 balls against the Perth Scorchers at the SCG. Although Smith hasn't featured in a T20I since February 2023, Finch believes his hunger for excellence remains undiminished. "He's made his point pretty clear that he wants to get to the Olympics in 2028 and be a part of that side," said Finch. "We've seen in domestic cricket wherever he plays around the world, he is a level above. "We've seen him at his best in international cricket be a level above as well, so it's not that he's got a point to prove because he's won a (T20) World Cup, he's been (at the) top of the tree. "I think it's just for his own sanity. He wants to be the best player in the world, and that's what's made him as great as he's been for such a long time."
India.com
19-06-2025
- Sport
- India.com
BBL 2025–26 Overseas Draft: Full Team-Wise Player List And Key Signings; Babar Azam, Finn Allen & Sam Curran Among The Top Picks
photoDetails english 2918612 Updated:Jun 19, 2025, 08:53 PM IST Adelaide Strikers – Luke Wood, Jamie Overton, Hasan Ali 1 / 8 The Strikers have gone all-in on pace for BBL 15 with the signings of Luke Wood, Jamie Overton, and Hasan Ali. Wood offers fiery left-arm variety, Overton brings all-round power and bounce, while veteran Hasan Ali adds experience and wicket-taking pedigree, forming a well-rounded fast-bowling trio for the Adelaide side. Brisbane Heat – Shaheen Shah Afridi, Colin Munro, Tom Alsop 2 / 8 Brisbane secured the draft's most high-profile name, Shaheen Shah Afridi, to lead their attack. Backed by the explosive batting of Colin Munro and the reliability of Tom Alsop, the Heat have built a side capable of dominating both powerplays and death overs, adding serious international flair to their ranks. Hobart Hurricanes – Chris Jordan, Rishad Hossain, Rehan Ahmed 3 / 8 The Hurricanes bolstered both ends of their bowling department by picking Chris Jordan for his death-over skills and Rehan Ahmed as a promising young leg-spinner. The addition of Rishad Hossain, a rising Bangladesh spinner, suggests Hobart is focused on variety and depth in their bowling attack. Melbourne Renegades – Mohammad Rizwan, Hassan Khan, Tim Seifert 4 / 8 Renegades added composure and class to their batting with Mohammad Rizwan, whose consistency at the top is unmatched. He is joined by Hassan Khan, a spin-bowling all-rounder from Pakistan, while Tim Seifert (pre-signed) brings hard-hitting capability and keeping cover, giving the Renegades a solid core. Melbourne Stars – Haris Rauf, Tom Curran, Joe Clarke 5 / 8 The Stars retained express pacer Haris Rauf and added England's Tom Curran, known for his death bowling and all-round value. Joe Clarke, a hard-hitting English batter, returns to further stabilize the top order. This trio brings power, pace, and T20 experience to the Stars' lineup. Perth Scorchers – Finn Allen, Laurie Evans, David Payne 6 / 8 Perth strengthened their top order with Finn Allen, a destructive New Zealander capable of quick starts. Laurie Evans, a proven finisher, returns to add late-innings stability, while David Payne provides left-arm pace depth, giving the Scorchers an explosive batting unit and reliable bowling support. Sydney Sixers – Sam Curran, Babar Azam, Jafer Chohan 7 / 8 The Sixers made major waves by drafting Babar Azam, one of the world's premier T20 anchors. Alongside Sam Curran, a dynamic all-rounder with T20 pedigree, and Jafer Chohan, a young English spinner, Sydney now boasts a formidable overseas core capable of dominating all phases of a match. Sydney Thunder – Lockie Ferguson, Shadab Khan, Sam Billings 8 / 8 Thunder secured a versatile overseas trio: Lockie Ferguson adds raw pace and aggression, Shadab Khan strengthens their spin attack and offers explosive batting in the middle, while Sam Billings brings experience as a keeper-batter and a natural finisher. It's a strong mix of pace, control, and leadership.
Express Tribune
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Babar Azam contract at Sydney Sixers revealed: Pakistan cricket star to earn shocking amount for BBL 15
Former Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam has secured one of the highest salaries in Big Bash League (BBL) history after signing with the Sydney Sixers ahead of the upcoming season. Azam's contract is set to exceed the Platinum category base price, marking a significant achievement for the 30-year-old batter. Sources close to the deal confirm that Azam's salary will be nearly PKR 10 crore, making him one of the highest-paid players in the competition. The Platinum category for BBL overseas players has a base price of around PKR 7.75 crore. This will be Babar Azam's first appearance in the Big Bash League, and the Sixers are excited to have him on board for the 2025 season. Azam, who has accumulated over 10,000 international runs in all formats, brings a wealth of experience to the team. His signing represents a major boost to the Sixers' championship aspirations. The Sixers were allowed to pre-sign one overseas player before the official BBL 15 draft on June 19. The team selected Azam from the Platinum category, offering him a lucrative contract ahead of the draft, which positions him among the elite players of the competition. Babar Azam's career has been defined by consistency and success. He captained Pakistan's national team from 2019 to 2024 and led them to the semi-finals of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup and the final of the 2022 edition. Renowned for his calmness under pressure, Azam is considered one of the finest T20 and ODI batsmen in the world. He has been ranked among the top players in both formats for several years and has been awarded ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year in 2022, in addition to being named ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2021 and 2022. With more than 11,000 T20 runs, Babar Azam is no stranger to global leagues, having played in the Pakistan Super League, the Caribbean Premier League, and various English domestic competitions. Sydney Sixers Squad for BBL 15 (so far): Sean Abbott, Babar Azam, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Todd Murphy, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith. As the BBL season approaches, all eyes will be on the star-studded lineup that the Sydney Sixers have assembled, with Babar Azam playing a central role in their championship chase.
