Indian batter Yastika Bhatia has joined a wave of international names putting their hands up for this year’s Big Bash drafts, adding more heat to an already stacked list of nominees. With the BBL|15 and WBBL|11 drafts taking place this Thursday, Yastika’s inclusion signals a growing interest from Indian players in the Australian T20 leagues—and a chance for fans to see more diversity on the pitch.
The left-hander, known for her timing and poise at the crease, is among the final group of international players confirmed by Cricket Australia. She joins an eye-catching list that includes England’s Jofra Archer, James Anderson, Alice Capsey and Maia Bouchier, as well as returning favourites like Joe Clarke and Laurie Evans.
Yastika’s nomination comes at a time when Indian players have started making a more noticeable impact in overseas leagues. While contractual restrictions from the BCCI have often limited Indian women’s participation in foreign T20 tournaments, her presence in the draft signals growing openness—or at least strong interest—in gaining global experience.
The wider pool is equally star-studded. Pakistan’s biggest names—Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan—are all up for grabs in the BBL draft. And the women’s side features seasoned international cricketers like Heather Knight, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, and New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine.
There’s also movement behind the scenes. Babar Azam has been pre-signed by the Sydney Sixers, in what is likely to be one of the most talked-about signings of the season. Clubs have taken early action to lock in one overseas name each (bar the Hobart Hurricanes WBBL), with players secured on one-to-three-year deals. Babar joins the likes of Finn Allen (Scorchers), Tom Curran (Stars), and Colin Munro (Heat) in the men’s game, while Amelia Kerr, Marizanne Kapp, Hayley Matthews, and Chamari Athapaththu headline the women’s signings.
Each club must use a pick in Thursday’s draft to officially select their pre-signed player according to salary banding, and then must pick at least two more. Most clubs can now pass on just one further pick. The drafting rules are designed to keep the process fair—and strategic.
There’s been some early trading, too. Sydney Thunder swapped picks 16 and 17 for Perth Scorchers’ picks 12 and 21—a sign that some sides are making moves to jump the queue for their preferred players.
The BBL draft order is set with Brisbane Heat going first, followed by Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Renegades, Perth Scorchers, Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Sixers, Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder. For the WBBL draft, Sydney Sixers lead off, with Strikers, Stars, Scorchers, Hurricanes, Thunder, Renegades and Heat following.
Alistair Dobson, who heads the Big Bash Leagues at Cricket Australia, said this year’s nominations reflect the league’s growing draw. “We’re absolutely thrilled by the quality of players who have nominated. Having someone like Babar signed, and names like Shaheen, Rizwan, Heather Knight and Sophie Ecclestone in the draft, makes this one of the most exciting pools we’ve seen.”
He added that bringing the draft forward has helped clubs get clarity earlier in the season, which in turn strengthens recruitment planning.
It’s hard to argue with the mix. From India’s up-and-coming Yastika Bhatia to Jofra Archer’s comeback hopes, this year’s Big Bash may feel more global than ever. If some of these names get picked up and take the field come summer, there’ll be plenty of first-time fans tuning in—and possibly a few new allegiances formed along the way.
Whether it’s the artistry of players like Bhatia, the fire of Afridi’s bowling, or the power hitting of Devine and Matthews, there’s one certainty this draft: the Big Bash is still pulling in the names that matter.
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