Full squads: How each club's list is shaping up for BBL|15

The KFC BBL|15 season is rapidly approaching, and with the schedule is out and overseas player draft having been run, most clubs' lists are in pretty good shape ahead of the summer.

The inaugural Player Movement Window that followed the conclusion of last season saw seven players find a new home during the 10-day period.

The league's contracting embargo was lifted in late March, meaning clubs can now sign further domestic players to their list for next season. And the Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers used their ability to sign one overseas player prior to the draft. Check out below how each club's list is placed right now.

Adelaide Strikers

Head coach: Tim Paine

 

Contracted for BBL|15: Hasan Ali (contracted until BBL|15), Cameron Boyce (BBL|15), Jordan Buckingham (BBL|15), Alex Carey (BBL|17), Mackenzie Harvey (BBL|15), Travis Head (BBL|15), Thomas Kelly (BBL|16), Chris Lynn (BBL|15), Harry Nielsen (BBL|15), Jamie Overton (BBL|15), Lloyd Pope (BBL|16), Alex Ross (BBL|15), Jason Sangha (BBL|16), Liam Scott (BBL|16), Matt Short (BBL|17), Tom Straker (BBL|15), Henry Thorton (BBL|15), Luke Wood (BBL|15)

 

In: Jason Sangha (Thunder), Mackenzie Harvey (Renegades), Tom Straker (Heat)

 

Outs: Brendan Doggett (Renegades), Jake Weatherald (Hurricanes)

 

Uncontracted: James Bazley, Liam Haskett, Harry Manenti, Ollie Pope, D'Arcy Short

 

Internationals: Hasan Ali (Pakistan), Jamie Overton (England) Luke Wood (England)

With captain Matt Short and Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey locked away until the end of BBL|17, the Strikers could be on the lookout for a couple of batters during the off-season with Travis Head and D'Arcy Short all currently out of contract and Jake Weatherald moving to the Hurricanes. The club's first list move for BBL|15 was indeed a batter, luring Jason Sangha from the Thunder on a two-year deal. The switch completes Sangha's South Australian switch after he joined the state for last summer's Sheffield Shield and one-day competitions, scoring a century in their Shield final triumph. Chris Lynn, the competition's all-time leading run-scorer has also re-signed for another season.

At the draft, the Strikers went all in on the quicks, securing the services of England's Luke Wood and Pakistan's Hasan Ali. Coach Tim Paine said adding a left-armer in Wood was part of the grand plan, and both fast men have their availability listed as 'entire tournament plus finals'. 

They've also locked in Jamie Overton's return for a third straight season, with the powerful England allrounder the club's direct overseas signing prior to the draft. Pending international selection, with England's white-ball sides scheduled to tour Sri Lanka from mid-January following the Ashes, Overton will be available for the entire BBL|15 season.

The Strikers also secured fast bowler Jordan Buckingham prior to the end of last season, joining fellow South Australia quick Henry Thornton as the pace bowlers locked in for BBL|15 alongside leg-spinners Lloyd Pope and Cameron Boyce. Seamer Brendan Doggett, who spent time with the Test squad during the summer, has joined the Renegades after his contract expired at the end of BBL|14.

Brisbane Heat

Head coach: Johan Botha

 

Contracted for BBL|15: Shaheen Shah Afridi (contracted until BBL|15), Tom Alsop (BBL|15), Xavier Bartlett (BBL|18), Max Bryant (BBL|18), Lachlan Hearne (BBL|16), Spencer Johnson (BBL|17), Usman Khawaja (BBL|15), Matt Kuhnemann (BBL|15), Marnus Labuschagne (BBL|15), Nathan McSweeney (BBL|16), Colin Munro (BBL|15), Michael Neser (BBL|15), Oli Patterson (BBL|15), Jimmy Peirson (BBL|15), Matthew Renshaw (BBL|17), Callum Vidler (BBL|16), Hugh Weibgen (BBL|17), Jack Wildermuth (BBL|16) 

 

Ins: Lachlan Hearne (Sixers), Hugh Weibgen (Thunder), Oli Patterson

 

Out: Mitch Swepson (Stars), Tom Whitney (Stars), Tom Straker (Strikers)

 

Uncontracted: Daniel Drew, Will Prestwidge, Jack Wood

 

Internationals: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan), Tom Alsop (England), Colin Munro (New Zealand)

Heat had pick one at the draft and went with the biggest available name in Pakistan quick Shaheen Shah Afridi. He will form a frightening pace-bowling battery alongside Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson and Michael Neser and is available for the duration of the tournament. Tom Alsop and Colin Munro (pre-signing) will also both return after featuring last season. 

The Heat won out over rival clubs, re-signing their leading run-scorer from last season, Matthew Renshaw, to a new three-year deal shortly after the contracting embargo was lifted. The club also secured their next generation with Queensland rising stars Hugh Weibgen and Lachlan Hearne earning deals.

There were plenty of positives for the Heat despite a disappointing title defence with rising pace star Bartlett and Max Bryant pledging their futures to the club and re-signing until BBL|18, while left-arm sensation Johnson is locked away until BBL|17. The next generation is also looking secure with teenage speedster Callum Vidler and Test-capped batter Nathan McSweeney recommitting until BBL|16, while allrounder Jack Wildermuth has been locked in for another two seasons.

Test No.3 Marnus Labuschagne is another big name who has pledged his allegiance for a 10th season, but the Heat did lose leg-spinner Mitch Swepson to the Stars during the free agency period.

Hobart Hurricanes

Head coach: Jeff Vaughan

 

Contracted for BBL|15: Rehan Ahmed (contracted until BBL|15), Marcus Bean (BBL|15), Jackson Bird (BBL|15), Iain Carlisle (BBL|15), Nikhil Chaudhary (BBL|17), Tim David (BBL|16), Nathan Ellis (BBL|17), Rishad Hossain (BBL|15), Chris Jordan (BBL|15), Ben McDermott (BBL|17), Riley Meredith (BBL|17), Mitch Owen (BBL|17), Billy Stanlake (BBL|17), Matthew Wade (BBL|16), Jake Weatherald (BBL|16), Beau Webster (BBL|17), Mac Wright (BBL|15)

 

Ins: Jake Weatherald (Strikers), Beau Webster (Stars), Jackson Bird (Sixers)

 

Out: Caleb Jewell (Renegades)

 

Uncontracted: Paddy Dooley, Jake Doran, Cameron Gannon, Peter Hatzoglou, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward

 

Internationals: Rehan Ahmed (England), Rishad Hossain (Bangladesh), Chris Jordan (England)

Destructive batter Tim David was one of the biggest names in the free agency pool, and attracted plenty of interest from other clubs, but despite fielding multiple offers, his return in purple was never really in any doubt, with a two-year deal secure. He will be a huge piece for the Hurricanes' plans to defend their title and the club had locked away the core of their maiden title-winning squad long-term with captain Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Nikhil Chaudhary and Ben McDermott all signed on until at least the end of BBL|17. Veteran Matthew Wade is also locked in for next season.

Hobart have made a pair of big signings, firstly with Beau Webster as the Tasmanian rejoins the club after making his T20 debut for the Hurricanes in BBL|06, and then with Jake Weatherald signing a two-year deal to complete his move to Tasmania after a dominant season in the Sheffield Shield. But opener Caleb Jewell has been traded to the Renegades in search of greater opportunity, although Hobart will receive nothing in return apart from the benefit of freeing up salary cap space they spent on Weatherald.

With Peter Hatzoglou and Paddy Dooley both out of contract, the Hurricanes decided to go to the draft to find their spin needs and came away with two young, exciting leg-spinners. They first grabbed Bangladesh's Rishad Hossain, who they drafted last year but were thwarted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, who didn't release Rishad to play. In the final round they picked up English allrounder Rehan Ahmed, who also bowls leg-breaks and can give the ball a thump in the middle order.

Fast bowler Billy Stanlake extended his stay with a fresh two-year deal, while veteran Jackson Bird has crossed from the Sixers and adds further experience to the 'Canes star-studded pace battery. But Tasmanian batters Jake Doran and Charlie Wakim haven't been able to secure new deals for the upcoming season.

Melbourne Renegades

Head coach: Cameron White

 

Contracted for BBL|15: Jason Behrendorff (contracted until BBL|17), Josh Brown (BBL|15), Harry Dixon (BBL|16), Brendan Doggett (BBL|16), Jake Fraser-McGurk (BBL|17), Caleb Jewell (BBL|16), Hassan Khan (BBL|15), Nathan Lyon (BBL|15), Fergus O'Neill (BBL|15), Ollie Peake (BBL|15), Muhammad Rizwan (BBL|15), Tom Rogers (BBL|15), Will Salzmann (BBL|15), Gurinder Sandhu (BBL|15), Tim Seifert (BBL|15), Callum Stow (BBL|15), Will Sutherland (BBL|17), Adam Zampa (BBL|15)

 

Ins: Jason Behrendorff (Scorchers), Brendan Doggett (Strikers), Caleb Jewell (Hurricanes), Will Salzmann (Thunder)

 

Out: Mackenzie Harvey (Strikers), Kane Richardson (Sixers)

 

Uncontracted: Xavier Crone, Sam Elliott, Marcus Harris, Jon Wells

 

Internationals: Hassan Khan (Pakistan), Muhammad Rizwan (Pakistan), Tim Seifert (New Zealand)

The Renegades made a splash by landing Jason Behrendorff from Perth in the Player Movement Window to now boast the top two wicket-takers from the BBL|14 season following Tom Rogers' stellar season. They've since added Australia A quick Brendan Doggett from the Strikers in a further boost for their pace stocks for BBL|15, while also strengthening their top order with the acquisition of Caleb Jewell from the Hurricanes.

The Renegades snapped up Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan at the draft which adds an extra experienced head to their reasonably young batting line up. They asked Hassan Khan to return after the spinning allrounder was a surprise to feature for them as a replacement player during last season. 

The 'Gades had left it late to re-sign Australia Under-19 World Cup-winner Harry Dixon who made his T20 debut in BBL|14, playing their final three games of the season. Dixon, one of the country's most promising young batters, was on the radar of rival clubs until signing a two-year extension to keep him at the 'Gades until the end of BBL|16.

The future of veteran batter Jon Wells is uncertain, while Mackenzie Harvey has switched to the Strikers and experienced out-of-contract quick Kane Richardson moving to the Sixers.

But the core of the 'Gades squad is among the nine players they locked in prior to the embargo, with captain Will Sutherland and explosive batter Jake Fraser-McGurk under contract until BBL|17. Australian spinners Nathan Lyon – who is yet to play a game for the Renegades since signing a three-year deal in 2023 – and Adam Zampa are also returning for BBL|15, as is prolific fast bowler Rogers, opener Josh Brown and New Zealand wicketkeeper Tim Seifert.

Melbourne Stars

Head coach: Peter Moores

 

Contracted for BBL|15: Austin Anlezark (contracted until BBL|15), Scott Boland (BBL|15), Hilton Cartwright (BBL|15), Joe Clarke (BBL|15), Tom Curran (BBL|15), Sam Harper (BBL|15), Liam Hatcher (BBL|16), Campbell Kellaway (BBL|15), Glenn Maxwell (BBL|15), Hamish McKenzie (BBL|15), Jon Merlo (BBL|15), Haris Rauf (BBL|15), Tom Rogers (BBL|16), Peter Siddle (BBL|15), Mark Steketee (BBL|15), Marcus Stoinis (BBL|16), Mitch Swepson (BBL|17), Tom Whitney (BBL|15)

 

Ins: Liam Hatcher (Thunder), Mitch Swepson (Heat), Tom Whitney (Heat)

 

Outs: Beau Webster (Hurricanes), Joel Paris (Scorchers), Brody Couch (Scorchers)

 

Uncontracted: Peter Handscomb, Blake Macdonald, Doug Warren

 

Internationals: Joe Clarke (England), Tom Curran (England), Haris Rauf (Pakistan)

Melbourne Stars had the fewest spots filled on their list for next season at the end of BBL|14 but were quick to secure the return of Liam Hatcher on the second day of the Player Movement Window. The right-arm quick returns to the Stars on a two-year deal after spending BBL|13 and |14 with the Thunder. Hatcher, who took 24 wickets in 17 games with the Stars, adds depth to their pace stocks with Joel Paris returning to the Scorchers next season. Experienced leg-spinner Mitch Swepson has also joined the club on a three-year deal from the Heat.

Despite having the fewest spots filled, the Stars' core is secure with captain Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Scott Boland, Hilton Cartwright and English allrounder Tom Curran all returning next season, with evergreen quick Peter Siddle re-signing to play on past his 41st birthday after hitting speeds up to 148kph in BBL|14. Mark Steketee has also penned a new one-year deal after a strong second half of the BBL|14 campaign, while wicketkeeper Sam Harper and batter Campbell Kellaway have signed on for BBL|15, as has emerging quick Austin Anlezark, who secured his maiden Big Bash contract.

The Stars completed their list in late November, re-signing Jon Merlo and luring emerging quick Tom Whitney from Queensland, with both penning one-year deals.

At the draft, it was all about familiarity for the Stars, signing two of the club's alumni in Joe Clarke and Haris Rauf. Clarke provides another option up top and behind the stumps and Rauf brings express pace having consistently troubled batters across the globe with his ball speed. Aussie allrounder Beau Webster has moved home to Hobart, as has West Australian left-armer Joel Paris. 

Perth Scorchers

Head coach: Adam Voges

 

Contracted for BBL|15: Ashton Agar (contracted until BBL|17), Finn Allen (BBL|15), Mahli Beardman (BBL|15), Cooper Connolly (BBL|16), Brody Couch (BBL|15), Laurie Evans (BBL|15), Sam Fanning (BBL|15), Aaron Hardie (BBL|17), Nick Hobson (BBL|15), Josh Inglis (BBL|15), Bryce Jackson (BBL|15) Matthew Kelly (BBL|15), Mitch Marsh (BBL|17), Lance Morris (BBL|16), Joel Paris (BBL|15), David Payne (BBL|15), Jhye Richardson (BBL|16), Ashton Turner (BBL|18)

 

In: Brody Couch (Stars), Joel Paris (Stars), Bryce Jackson

 

Out: Jason Behrendorff (Renegades)

 

Uncontracted: Bryce Jackson, Matthew Spoors, Andrew Tye

 

Internationals: Finn Allen (New Zealand), Laurie Evans (England), David Payne (England)

The Scorchers moved quickly to secure Australia T20 captain Mitch Marsh for another three years after the contract embargo was lifted at the end of March. Marsh said being a "one-club player" played a huge part in the decision to recommit, and he figures to be a more prominent fixture for Perth in coming seasons after losing his place in the Test team.

Marsh, who is the club's second most prolific BBL run scorer of all-time behind Ashton Turner, will have big role in developing the Scorchers' next generation of stars as the BBL's most successful team pivots to youth after missing the finals for the first time in five seasons. Captain Turner and allrounders Ashton Agar and Aaron Hardie are locked away long-term, and their pace stocks appear in good shape for the future with Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris, Matt Kelly and teenage sensation Mahli Beardman all returning for next season and beyond. Morris, however, will miss the BBL|15 season after opting to undergo back surgery, opening up opportunities for the likes of Beardman and Bryce Jackson.

Veteran quick Jason Behrendorff has signed a three-year deal with the Melbourne Renegades and the future of fellow veteran Andrew Tye is up in the air after he was not among the 10 to secure new deals before the contracting embargo. The return of Joel Paris from the Stars offers a like-for-like replacement for Behrendorff and the Scorchers would desperately love to snap up an opening bat they can plug in at the top of the order alongside New Zealand recruit Finn Allen after having limited success with their combination following Cameron Bancroft's departure to the Thunder.

That being said, at the draft the Scorchers went for middle-order firepower in the form of Laurie Evans, a former Scorcher and title-winner with the club. They also brought back left-arm swing bowler David Payne, who played for Perth in BBL|12. 

Sydney Sixers

Head coach: Greg Shipperd

 

Contracted for BBL|15: Sean Abbott (contracted until BBL|15), Babar Azam (BBL|15), Jafer Chohan (BBL|15), Sam Curran (BBL|15), Joel Davies (BBL|16), Ben Dwarshuis (BBL|17), Jack Edwards (BBL|16), Moises Henriques (BBL|15), Daniel Hughes (BBL|15), Hayden Kerr (BBL|16), Ben Manenti (BBL|15), Todd Murphy (BBL|15), Mitch Perry (BBL|15), Josh Philippe (BBL|16), Kane Richardson (BBL|15), Lachlan Shaw (BBL|16), Jordan Silk (BBL|15), Steve Smith (BBL|16). Marquee supplementary list: Mitchell Starc (BBL|15)

 

Ins: Lachlan Shaw, Kane Richardson (Renegades)

 

Outs: Lachlan Hearne (Heat), Jackson Bird (Hurricanes)

 

Uncontracted: Josh Hazlewood, Hanno Jacobs, Kurtis Patterson

 

Internationals: Babar Azam (Pakistan), Jafer Chohan (England), Sam Curran (England)

The Sixers have sent a shockwave through the BBL by landing one of the world's best in Pakistan superstar Babar Azam as their pre-draft direct signing. Babar will be available for the entire tournament including finals thanks to Pakistan's empty international schedule during the BBL season. It's a huge statement of intent from a powerhouse club who are coming off the back of a disappointing finals exit. At the draft the Sixers doubled down with another platinum selection in England allrounder Sam Curran, even though he will only be available for 4-6 games (and finals). 

The Sixers have retained the core of their squad for BBL|15 with Sean Abbott, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, captain Moises Henriques, Todd Murphy, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk and Australian star Steve Smith filling their 10 permitted list spots prior to the contracting embargo.

Other movement has been a fresh two-year contract for allrounder Hayden Kerr, and also 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Lachlan Shaw has signed on until the end of BBL|16 after impressing in seven games for the Sixers last summer after being brought into the squad as a replacement for Smith while he was on international duties. They've also recruited veteran fast bowler Kane Richardson for BBL|15.

Veterans Jackson Bird, who has returned to Tasmania for family reasons and will play first-class cricket with the Tigers in 2025-26, but Mitchell Starc has re-signed on their supplementary list and is aiming to end his 11-year absence from the Big Bash following the Ashes Test series.

Sydney Thunder

Head coach: Trevor Bayliss

 

Contracted for BBL|15: Tom Andrews (BBL|15), Wes Agar (BBL|15), Cameron Bancroft (BBL|17), Sam Billings (BBL|16), Ollie Davies (BBL|15), Lockie Ferguson (BBL|15), Matt Gilkes (BBL|15), Chris Green (BBL|16), Ryan Hadley (BBL|15), Shadab Khan (BBL|15), Sam Konstas (BBL|18), Nathan McAndrew (BBL|15), Blake Nikitaras (BBL|15), Aidan O'Connor (BBL|16), Daniel Sams (BBL|17), Tanveer Sangha (BBL|17), Reece Topley (BBL|15), David Warner (BBL|15)

 

Ins: Aidan O'Connor

 

Outs: Liam Hatcher (Stars), Jason Sangha (Strikers)

 

Uncontracted: Dan Christian, Pat Cummins, Toby Gray, Nic Maddinson

 

Internationals: Sam Billings (England), Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand), Shadab Khan (Pakistan), Reece Topley (England). Withdrawn: Rachivandran Ashwin (India)

Finalists Sydney Thunder have locked away the core of their list for next season with rising leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, allrounder Daniel Sams and batter Cameron Bancroft re-committing long-term until the end of BBL|17. Captain David Warner is also returning for another full season in BBL|15, as is his opening partner Sam Konstas who penned a bumper four-year extension in August.

The Thunder opted for proven performers at the draft, bringing Kiwi quick Lockie Ferguson back to the club after six games last season and also acquiring Pakistan leg-spinning allrounder Shadab Khan. Ferguson's limited availability due to his ILT20 commitments sees the return of England quick Reece Topley for the first half of the tournament, with the latter to depart to the SA20 upon Ferguson's return to Australia.

English recruit Sam Billings and stalwart Chris Green are secured until at least the end of BBL|16, while Nic Maddinson, who missed the entire BBL|14 season after undergoing finger surgery in December is among a group of domestic free agents. Fast bowler Liam Hatcher moved to back to the Stars during the Player Movement Window, while batter Jason Sangha has since crossed to the Strikers after almost a decade with the club.

Head coach Trevor Bayliss' deal was also up at the end of the season, but after being given an ultimatum last year, he'd now be favoured to return in BBL|15 after taking the Thunder to the Final.

The Thunder also made a splash with superstar Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin signing a landmark deal with the club for BBL|15 following his retirement from international and IPL cricket. But unfortunately, Ashwin suffered a knee injury that required surgery preparing for the tournament in Chennai, ruling him out of the campaign. The Thunder hope to still have him around in the second half of the season in a non-playing capacity.