With KFC Big Bash League clubs busy plotting their BBL|06 campaigns, here’s where they stand with their international stars
BBL imports: where your club stands
Adelaide Strikers
BBL|05 imports: Adil Rashid (England), Mahela Jayawardena (Sri Lanka)
BBL|06 imports: Kieron Pollard (West Indies), TBC
The Strikers are set to welcome back West Indies allrounder Kieron Pollard to Adelaide Oval this summer. He missed BBL|05 due to a severe knee injury – his place filled by Sri Lanka legend Mahela Jayawardena on a one-year deal - but Pollard has a three-year deal with Adelaide that he signed in late 2014. England spinner Adil Rashid also signed a one-year deal for BBL|05 and while he proved a revelation for the semi-finalists, taking 16 wickets at 14.12, his international commitments with England could prevent a return to Jason Gillespie’s side.
Brisbane Heat
BBL|05 imports: Samuel Badree (West Indies), Lendl Simmons (West Indies)
BBL|06 imports: Brendon McCullum (New Zealand), TBC
New Zealand superstar Brendon McCullum signed a three-year contract with the Heat last June, but his international commitments prevented the dashing stroke-maker from fulfilling his duties last summer. That won’t be a problem this time around, following McCullum’s international retirement in February, whilecoach Daniel Vettori has also hinted his ex-New Zealand teammate could take over the Heat’s captaincy.
The Heat signed Lendl Simmons ona one-year deal as a replacement for McCullum last summer, where he joined his countryman Samuel Badree –also on a one-year contract. It
Hobart Hurricanes
BBL|05 imports: Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Darren Sammy (West Indies)
BBL|06 imports: Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), TBC
Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara signed a two-year contract with the Hurricanes last May, meaning he will return to Blundstone Arena this summer. There’s no word yet on whether Darren Sammy will return, but the Hurricanes are reportedly keen on fellow West Indian Carlos Brathwaite, whose four consecutive sixes stole victory for the Windies in the World T20 final last month.
“We made contact with him before the World Cup, so disappointed that he put himself up in lights actually,” Hurricanes general manager Michael Roberts joked to News Ltd last week.
“There’s a fair bit of interest in him now not just in Big Bash but world cricket. The ball is in his court now. We’re waiting for him to come back with further discussions.”
Melbourne Renegades
BBL|05 imports: Chris Gayle (West Indies), Dwayne Bravo (West Indies)
BBL|06 imports: TBC
Although Renegades coach David Saker has said he is open to Chris Gayle returning this summer despite last season’s controversy, News Ltd are reporting the big-hitting West Indian will not return. However fellow Windies star Dwayne Bravo is reportedly set to return for BBL|06, with Renegades chief executive Stuart Coventry telling News Ltd the club will be “in a better position to confirm our international signings in the weeks and months ahead.”
Melbourne Stars
BBL|05 imports: Kevin Pietersen (England), Luke Wright (England)
BBL|06 imports: Kevin Pietersen (England), Luke Wright (England)
It’s business as usual for the Melbourne Stars, who have both their internationals signed and sealed for BBL|06. England star Kevin Pietersen has signed on for the next two Big Bash seasons, while Wright is also locked in until the end of BBL|07.
Perth Scorchers
BBL|05 imports: Michael Carberry (England), David Willey (England)
BBL|06 imports: TBC
David Willey was given the all clear to skip England Lions duties to join the Scorchers last BBL season, but his availability this summer may be dictated by ECB commitments. Carberry signed his second one-year deal for BBL|05, but the Scorchers are yet to announce their international players for BBL|06.
Sydney Sixers
BBL|05 imports: Johan Botha (South Africa), Michael Lumb (England)
BBL|06 imports: TBC
The Sixers could well have two international vacancies on their roster. South African-born allrounder Johan Botha is expected to be granted Australian citizenship this year, while Michael Lumb is yet to sign on for BBL|06.
Sydney Thunder
BBL|05 imports: Jacques Kallis (South Africa), Andre Russell (West Indies)
BBL|06 imports: TBC
It seems likely the Thunder will need to find a replacement for South Africa legend Jacques Kallis, with Thunder general manager Nick Cummins expressing his doubts last week the veteran allrounder – who is currently enjoying his first stint as head coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL - would return as a player for BBL|06. However News Ltd are reporting West Indian allrounder Andre Russell is close to signing a new deal.