Marizanne Kapp Signs Three-Year Deal with Melbourne Stars

Melbourne Stars have secured a major coup ahead of the upcoming WBBL season, signing South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp on a three-year deal. Kapp, who was the No. 1 draft pick for Sydney Thunder last season, has been acquired under the new rule allowing clubs to sign one multi-year pre-draft player.

Kapp's decision to join the Stars was heavily influenced by the opportunity to work with coach Jonathan Batty and former Australia captain Meg Lanning, with whom she shared a successful stint at Delhi Capitals in the WPL. "I've been working with JB [Jonathan Batty] for a couple of years and then obviously working with Meg was a big factor for me moving, I like the way they work," Kapp explained.

Kapp's impressive resume includes stints with Sydney Sixers, where she won back-to-back titles, and Perth Scorchers, where she was named Player of the Final in the 2021-22 season. Melbourne Stars general manager Blair Crouch hailed Kapp's signing as a significant boost to the team's title aspirations. "Marizanne is one of the best all-rounders in the world with an outstanding record at both domestic and international level," Crouch said. "As well as her talents with both bat and ball, she will add invaluable experience to our young squad in our quest to be among the challengers for WBBL 10."

Kapp played a pivotal role in South Africa's recent tour of Australia, delivering a standout performance in their historic first ODI victory over the home side with a brilliant 75 runs and 3 for 12 at North Sydney Oval.

Kapp joins Amelia Kerr (Sydney Sixers) and Nadine de Klerk (Brisbane Heat) as the third overseas player to be signed before the WBBL draft. The draft is scheduled for early September, with the WBBL season set to commence shortly after the T20 World Cup in late October.

Tags: #WBBL, #MelbourneStars, #MarizanneKapp, #JonathanBatty, #MegLanning