The drafts for Australia’s 2024 Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) have concluded, with a significant outcome being the selection of only one Pakistani player.
Leg-spinner Usama Mir was picked by the Melbourne Stars in the third round, making him the only Pakistani representative in this season’s BBL.
Despite the nominations of 69 male and 11 female cricketers from Pakistan, no women were chosen. Usama Mir, who previously played for the Stars, will continue with the team in the upcoming season.
The limited selection of Pakistani players is primarily due to national team commitments and uncertainties regarding their No Objection Certificates (NOCs), leading league organizers to prefer players who can commit to the entire season without these issues.
British cricketer Jafer Chohan, who has Pakistani heritage, was selected by the Sydney Sixers.
The BBL, scheduled from December 15, 2023, to January 27, 2024, saw a strong demand for English players, with 14 of them being chosen across the four draft rounds.
BBL first-round picks: Ben Duckett - Melbourne Stars, James Vince - Sydney Sixers (Retention), Laurie Evans - Melbourne Renegades, Lockie Ferguson - Sydney Thunder, Shai Hope - Hobart Hurricanes, Jamie Overton - Adelaide Strikers (Retention), Colin Munro - Brisbane Heat (pre-signed player), Finn Allen - Perth Scorchers (pre-signed player).
Second-round picks: Tom Curran - Melbourne Stars (pre-signed player), Jacob Bethell - Melbourne Renegades, Ollie Pope - Adelaide Strikers (pre-signed player), Chris Jordan - Hobart Hurricanes (pre-signed player), Sam Billings - Sydney Thunder (pre-signed player), Paul Walter - Brisbane Heat, Passed - Perth Scorchers, Akeal Hosein - Sydney Sixers (pre-signed player).
Third-round picks: Passed - Sydney Sixers, Matthew Hurst - Perth Scorchers, Passed - Brisbane Heat, Fabian Allen - Adelaide Strikers, Passed - Hobart Hurricanes, Sherfane Rutherford - Sydney Thunder, Tim Seifert - Melbourne Renegades (pre-signed player), Usama Mir - Melbourne Stars.
Fourth-round picks: Passed - Melbourne Stars, Passed - Melbourne Renegades, Passed - Sydney Thunder, Rishad Hossain - Hobart Hurricanes, Passed - Adelaide Strikers, Tom Alsop - Brisbane Heat, Keaton Jennings - Perth Scorchers, Jafer Chohan - Sydney Sixers.
