Hurricanes coach not sold on idea of a draft for international players for 10th edition of Big Bash

Hurricanes coach Adam Griffith has slammed the proposed move for a player draft for overseas Big Bash talent, declaring it is “asking for trouble” amid the COVID-19 uncertainty.

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INTRODUCING a draft for overseas players for this summer’s Big Bash would be a mistake, according to Hurricanes coach Adam Griffith.

The potential for an import draft has been floated for the 10th edition of the tournament, as Cricket Australia looks for new innovations for the season.

A tentative fixture was released last week — which saw the Hurricanes land a plethora of prime time slots including Christmas Eve and the marquee New Year’s Eve fixture.

While more than happy with the schedule initially slated for his team, Griffith was not as positive about a potential draft, which he said was “asking for trouble” given the uncertainty of the summer due to COVID-19.

Adam Griffith says more time is needed to prepare for a potential BBL player draft. Picture CHRIS KIDD

“The whole draft thing they are talking about with the BBL, I think that is a massive mistake to do that this year,” Griffith said.

“We need time for that, especially in the current environment where there is too much uncertainty and to throw something else in we have never done before, and the clubs haven’t had a lot of time to plan for and prepare for, it is asking for trouble.

“I think we should just be able to go out as we can and sign players we think are going to benefit your club, we can then take into account all that stuff around what countries can come in and out, who can come, who is playing where.

“If we have a draft in September or whenever they are looking to do it, which is not far away, we still don’t know who is going to be available.

D'Arcy Short walks out to bat in the BBL|09 eliminator against the Sydney Thunder. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

“It is a bit of a dog’s breakfast at the moment. I understand full well that Cricket Australia are dealing with a lot of different things that are up in the air and we appreciate the hard work they are doing in that space but I think it would be a mistake if we went down the draft path.”

Alistair Dobson, head of the BBL, said last week teams are likely to have less flexibility signing international stars this season with the numerous border restrictions imposed around the world.

This year’s tournament will also go head to head with Australia’s blockbuster Test series against India, ruling out a host of the country’s elite players.

“List management strategies for clubs are going to have be in place ahead of time,” Dobson said.

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