376 overseas players register for BBL draft; Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan among many Pakistan cricketers

Haris Rauf and Rashid Khan. (Photo Source: Mike Owen, Paul Kane/Getty Images)

The Big Bash League (BBL) has confirmed that 376 foreign players have registered for the upcoming edition of the competition, which is slated to begin on December 7. The major takeaway from the announcement is that several Pakistan cricketers, including the likes of Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Fakhar Zaman among several others have registered.

Interestingly, the tournament has increased the player payment pool and hence, there’s a surge in player registration. Notably, Shadab will be available for retention as the all-rounder has represented Hobart Hurricanes in the previous edition of the tournament. The same goes for Haris Rauf, who represented Melbourne Stars for four seasons.

On the other hand, Rashid Khan, who previously stated that he would boycott BBL, has registered for the competition. Earlier in the year, Cricket Australia refused to play a white-ball series against Afghanistan because of various rules the Taliban introduced in their land. However, the leg-spinner has cleared the difference.

Meanwhile, Alistair Dobson, CA’s general manager of the Big Bash League confirmed the increase in payment and highlighted their desire to boost the league as a world-class competition.

“With the uplift in Big Bash player payment pools this season, top international players are set to earn more than ever before highlighting the Big Bash League’s continued commitment to fostering a world-class competition. On behalf of the League and our clubs, we extend thanks to all players and their agents around the world for their support of the Drafts and the Big Bash Leagues. We look forward with great anticipation to the Drafts this Sunday,” he was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.

From England, the likes of Harry Brook, Tymal Mills, Phit Salt, James Vince, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Sam Billings and Olly Stone among multiple others have registered for the competition. Taijul Islam and Ripon Mondal have registered from Bangladesh while Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, Rilee Rossouw, Wayne Parnell, Rassie van der Dussen and Tabraiz Shamsi among many others from South Africa have registered.