The Brisbane Heat have signed English all-rounder Tom Curran for the upcoming Big Bash League season. However, their attempt to sign Melbourne Stars captain Marcus Stoinis has been blocked, while veteran batter Usman Khawaja has confirmed his return to Brisbane for the upcoming BBL season.
The BBL lifted its contracting embargo on August 27, allowing teams to make direct signings after scrapping the overseas player draft. Clubs can now complete their 18-player squads without a minimum overseas-player requirement, with each team allowed to sign up to three international players.
Brisbane Heat Make Major Moves for BBL 2026-27
According to journalist Tom Morris on X, the Brisbane Heat have made several moves ahead of BBL 2026-27. English all-rounder Tom Curran is set to join the franchise from the Melbourne Stars. The Heat have also locked in veteran batter Usman Khawaja for the upcoming season.
Brisbane also made an attempt to sign Melbourne Stars captain Marcus Stoinis. The all-rounder was reportedly open to the move, but the Stars blocked the transfer because he remains under contract with the Melbourne franchise.
Curran previously played for the Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars. Khawaja's experience at the top of the order will be important for the Heat as they look to build a balanced squad under the league's new contracting rules.
Some @HeatBBL news…. 🏏
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) September 5, 2026
- They had a red hot crack at contracted @StarsBBL captain Marcus Stoinis, who indicated he was keen to go. But the Stars blocked it.
- Usman Khawaja is locked in for BBL 16
- They’ve won the signature of Tom Curran, who will arrive from the Stars.… https://t.co/v1D4DwgJLA
Melbourne Stars Strengthen Spin Department With Todd Murphy
The Melbourne Stars have added Victorian off-spinner Todd Murphy on a one-year deal. Murphy has played all five of his previous Big Bash seasons with the Sydney Sixers but will now return to his home state.
The 25-year-old will join Mitch Swepson in the Stars' spin department. Murphy struggled for regular opportunities at the Sixers because of the competition for places. He initially played as an auxiliary spinner behind Steve O'Keefe before Joel Davies moved ahead of him in the pecking order.
Murphy featured in only two matches last season and took two wickets while conceding almost 14 runs per over. He ended his Sixers career with 21 wickets from 30 appearances. Swepson claimed eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.30 and helped Melbourne reach the finals for a second consecutive season.
Sean Abbott Attracts Major Interest From BBL Rivals
Sydney Sixers fast bowler Sean Abbott has emerged as one of the biggest names in the current player movement window. The Adelaide Strikers have reportedly made a lucrative offer worth around $800,000 across two seasons.
However, Abbott remains contracted to the Sixers, and the Strikers would need the club to release him before the move can go ahead. The development could lead to further negotiations between the two franchises.
The Melbourne Renegades are also searching for a wicketkeeper-batter and have shown interest in England's Jonny Bairstow. The experienced batter could provide the Renegades with another top-order option and add international experience to their lineup.
The Hobart Hurricanes, meanwhile, are considering West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope amid uncertainty over Matthew Wade's availability for the upcoming campaign. Fast bowler Iain Carlisle is also expected to remain with the Hurricanes after reportedly re-signing with the club.
Also read: PSL 2027: PCB faces scheduling dilemma as broadcasters and franchises want different windows
