WBBL| 09 Overseas Draft: Here’s the full list of picks; Harmanpreet Kaur goes to Melbourne Renegades

In a stunning twist, Indian cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur secured the top spot in the inaugural Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) overseas draft, becoming the prized selection for the Melbourne Renegades with the first pick. The WBBL overseas draft brought several exciting developments, including Perth Scorchers’ decision not to retain South Africa’s star all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, instead opting for current captain Sophie Devine.

The Renegades made a strong move to acquire New Zealand’s superstar with their second pick, but the Scorchers utilized their retention pick to retain Devine in their lineup.

Renegades’ coach, Simon Helmot, expressed his delight after securing the services of two seasoned T20 cricket players, Hayley Matthews and Harmanpreet Kaur, highlighting their valuable experience.

Helmot stated, “It was a challenging decision – whether to choose Harmanpreet at pick three or go for Hayley. Fortunately, it worked out for us as Harmanpreet was still available in the second round, allowing us to select her as a Platinum pick.”

Also READ: Chamari Athapaththu sizzles in Sri Lanka’s series-levelling triumph over England in 2nd Women’s T20I

Brisbane Heat retains Amelia Kerr

In other notable selections, the Melbourne Stars signed England’s teenage sensation Alice Capsey, while the Hobart Hurricanes acquired the services of South African quick Shabnim Ismail. The Brisbane Heat retained the talented New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr, despite her limited availability. The Sydney Sixers made a strategic move by picking up South Africa’s Chloe Tryon, who previously represented cross-town rivals the Sydney Thunder.

Here’s the full list of WBBL|09 Draft picks:

• Sydney Thunder: Marizanne Kapp, Heather Knight, Lauren Bell
• Perth Scorchers: Sophie Devine, Danielle Wyatt
• Melbourne Renegades: Hayley Matthews, Harmanpreet Kaur
• Melbourne Stars: Alice Capsey, Maia Bouchier
• Hobart Hurricanes: Shabnim Ismail, Bryony Smith
• Brisbane Heat: Amelia Kerr, Bess Heath
• Sydney Sixers: Chloe Tryon, Jess Kerr
• Adelaide Strikers: Laura Wolvaardt, Danielle Gibson

Also READ: PAK-W vs SA-W 2023: Sidra Ameen propels Pakistan to series-clinching win over South Africa in 2nd T20I

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.