Big Bash League (BBL) 2020-21 To Have Three Overseas Players In The Playing XI
Updated - 23 Oct 2020, 05:41 PM
The Big Bash League (BBL) of season ten will have as many as three overseas players in the playing eleven. The decision got confirmed as soon as three-time champions Perth Scorchers signed English opener Jason Roy for the upcoming edition. The Big Bash League of 2020 season will also feature the number on T20I batsman Dawid Malan, playing for Hobart Hurricanes.
The introduction of three overseas cricketers from two will increase the squad size to 19 players from the initial 16. The Big Bash League came into being in 2011 when Cricket Australia dissolved the six state teams and initiated eight new franchises in Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder, Perth Scorchers, Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades, Brisbane Heat, and Adelaide Strikers.
BBL stated on its official Twitter handle “Third international spot added to BBL 10 squads. Clubs can play three overseas players at once for the first time,“
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s head of Big Bash League, mentioned that the inclusion of three overseas players is a significant milestone in the evolution of the tournament and a fitting way to celebrate the league’s tenth edition. Dobson understands that the fans wish to see the best foreign players around the world and thus gave the green signal to bring three overseas cricketers to Australia.
“The introduction of a third overseas player slot is a major milestone in the evolution of the KFC Big Bash League and a fitting way to celebrate the League’s tenth season. We know our fans want to watch the best players from around the world and this week, we’ve added three of the best in Dawid Malan, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, plus a host of other top players. Now we’ve given our clubs the license to bring even more of these overseas stars to Australia,” Dobson stated as quoted by News18.
Sydney Sixers are the defending champions ahead of BBL 2020-21:
Sydney Sixers lifted the title for the second time last year by beating Melbourne Stars in Sydney by 19 runs. Josh Philippe, who currently plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore, received the man of the match award for his 52 off 29 deliveries.
At the same time, Jordan Silk provided the final flourish by scoring 27 off 15 balls to lift their side to 116 in 12 overs. The 2020-21 edition of BBL kickstarts on the 3rd of December with the Adelaide Strikers hosting Melbourne Renegades.
