WBBL to shake up women's cricket

Australia’s top female cricketers are predicting some interesting movements when the first Women’s Big Bash League signings are revealed.

The WBBL is set to launch next season, with teams aligned to the eight existing KFC T20 Big Bash League teams.

Clubs are currently recruiting their foundation members after the WBBL contracting window opened on May 6 and current Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars are sure to be high of the wish lists of WBBL clubs.

To ensure a balanced competition, teams are allowed to sign up to five current or recent Southern Stars, or up to three overseas players in place of the equivalent number of Australian players.

With two teams each in Melbourne and Sydney, the WBBL will likely see the redistribution of the country’s two most dominant T20 sides, the NSW Lend Lease Breakers and Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit.

The two teams have nine final appearances and five premierships in six seasons between them – as well as at least 11 Southern Stars representatives.

Commonwealth Banks Southern Stars wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy said she believed the WBBL would give players the chance to play in a different environment.

“I think we all grow up in our state environment and that’s who you want to play for, but I think this new structure is really exciting for different people to get a chance to move around the county and potentially get opportunities they never had before,” Healy said.

“It will be a big chance for people to go and play under a different captain or go and get the experience of playing with a player like (England captain) Charlotte Edwards, which would be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Hopefully there is some movement and the talent is spread around the county to make it a really good competition.”

Image Id: ~/media/89270FE1A66947DC84E220B9A8DE4BA8Southern Stars and VicSpirit skipper Meg Lanning will be sought after // Getty Images

Australia opening batter Elyse Villani said the condensed nature of the tournament could also encourage players to branch out from their home states.

“If they’re able to financially and with work and individual circumstances, I think people will definitely be looking to move and be part of a new program,” Villani said.

“It’s good for players to get a fresh approach and learn from different people.”

The BBL and WBBL competitions will mostly run concurrently during the BBL December – January window, with many WBBL matches on weekends.

Top international players who played in last year’s WNCL and Women’s T20 competitions, including England skipper Charlotte Edwards, her teammates Heather Knight and Sarah Taylor, New Zealand captain Suzie Bates and fellow White Ferns Sophie Devine, Nicola Browne and Sara McGlashan, will also be sought after.

Former cricketers may also come out of retirement for the tournament.

Player movement would be a big positive, Villani said.

“I think the (WBBL) idea is great and I think it allows for player movement which was needed.

“An even competition and a really good product for the game will only ensure more interest from the outside and help grow the female game.”

Southern Stars fast bowler Rene Farrell said she was eagerly waiting to find out where her fellow state and national cricketers would be playing.

“Especially the New South Wales girls, because they’ve been so successful and on top for so long,” Farrell said.

“It will also be interesting to see who comes back out of retirement to play in the competition.

“I’m just really excited to play with a different bunch of girls, if that’s the case, and in a different competition as well.”

With eight teams involved in the WBBL – one more than in the current Women’s National Cricket League – the new competition is also set to give more players exposure to the elite level of the game.

Image Id: ~/media/B27A54A4790248A4B8C382F69DCBD149Holly Ferling is looking forward to the WBBL // Getty Images

Farrell said she believed the WBBL was a “great concept” for the women’s game.

“It’s great direction to head in,” Farrell said.

“I think if there’s one or two more teams and a few extra girls, plus more international girls coming over, it’s only going to strengthen the competition within Australia.

“The WNCL is already the best competition in the world in my eyes, but with the addition of the WBBL it will be even stronger and even better.”

Stars allrounder Jess Jonassen and opening batter Nicole Bolton said they hoped the competition would bring the women’s game to a wider audience

“Hopefully it will provide a visual path for young girls who are wanting to play cricket as well,” Jonassen said.

Southern Stars and Konica Minolta Queensland Fire quick Holly Ferling said while she would enjoy playing for her local club, Brisbane Heat, she would be thrilled to play anywhere.

“It’s going to be a massive step forward that we’ve been waiting for,” Ferling said.

“I can’t go past the Brisbane Heat but it’s also a great opportunity for a lot of us girls to experience somewhere new and also experience new a team, new coach and new teammates.

“I’m super excited, even though I’m not sure where I’m going to end up yet I know it’s going to be a fantastic tournament.”