BBL imports to go into draft pool as ACA and CA go into talks

Cricket Australia is in talks with the players union for plans to attract the biggest name back to the BBL via the imports draft.

THE introduction of a BBL imports draft for this summer is looming large with the Australian Cricketers Association in discussions with Cricket Australia on its implementation.

Should imports be allowed into the country, CA is firmly backing the concept and hopes it will become a televised event either this year or next.

While the ACA is yet to tick off officially on the draft, which would see all uncontracted overseas imports go into a two round pool, the players’ union is open to the proposal as negotiations continue with a decision to be made in the next two weeks.

It is understood only BBL09 Cinderella story Haris Rauf (Stars) and English all-rounder Tom Curran (Sixers) are contracted for the upcoming summer, meaning all other imports would go into the draft pool.

Haris Rauf of the Stars celebrates a wicket during the Big Bash League (BBL) cricket match between the Melbourne Stars and the Sydney Sixers at the MCG in Melbourne, Sunday, January 12, 2020. (AAP Image/Michael Dodge)

The ACA is keen to discuss any innovations to bring the biggest names in cricket back to the BBL but have queries about what a proposed extended Big Bash season would have on attracting international cricket’s best players and what plans CA has to innovate and invest in the WBBL.

Details are still being discussed on how the draft order would work, whether all eight teams would go into a US-style lotto or whether it would be only the bottom three that missed last summer’s finals, the Renegades, the Heat and the Scorchers, go into the lotto for the first three picks to stop any tanking incentive or allegations.

One possibility is each franchise would pay a set amount for a drafted player, with the imports salary to be topped up by CA for marquee players.

Jofra Archer of the Hurricanes (right)) is congratulated on the wicket of Marcus Harris of the Renegades during the Big Bash League (BBL) match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Melbourne Renegades at Blundstone Arena in Hobart, Thursday, February 7, 2019. (AAP Image/Rob Blakers)

Another option being considered is allowing clubs to bid for players who have previously played with their franchise, such as Hurricane's star English fast bowler Jofra Archer.

It would also give the smaller markets outside of Sydney and Melbourne the chance to acquire some of the biggest names in world cricket.