Cricket

Sydney Thunder has secured the services of Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu for the next three seasons, making her the first player to sign a multi-year contract under the WBBL's new rules. Athapaththu, who played for Thunder last season as an undrafted player, impressed with her all-round abilities, finishing as the Player of the Tournament.Athapaththu's signing is a significant coup for Thunder, who believe she can help them challenge for their first WBBL title. The 33-year-old is one of the most experienced and successful players in women's cricket, having captained Sri Lanka to the 2022 Asia Cup title. She is also a prolific run-scorer and a dangerous bowler, making her a valuable asset to any team."Committing to Sydney Thunder for the next three seasons was an easy decision because I believe in the vision of this club, and I want to be part of its future success," Athapaththu said. "There's so much to love about my Sydney Thunder family. My team-mates are not just colleagues; they are friends who push each other to be better every day, [which] is important to me. Western Sydney is the heart and soul of Sydney Thunder and representing such a diverse and vibrant community is a privilege to have. It's been an incredible journey so far, and I'm so excited for what's ahead."Thunder general manager Trent Copeland is delighted to have secured Athapaththu's services for the long term. "Chamari is obviously an exceptional cricket player, but she is also an exceptional human being who is team first and fan first," Copeland said. "We know other teams were interested in signing her, but we made every effort to ensure she came back. To see the way she embraced and engaged with our members and fans last summer was something pretty special and on the field she had one of the WBBL's great seasons."Athapaththu has had stints in the WBBL previously with Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers. Last season, after not being selected in the draft, she was added to the Thunder squad as cover for their three overseas players. She quickly became a key player for Thunder, scoring 552 runs at an average of 42.46 and taking nine wickets.Thunder open their 2024-25 campaign against Hobart Hurricanes on October 28. With Athapaththu in their ranks, they will be confident of making a strong challenge for the title.

Marizanne Kapp, the South African all-rounder, has revealed that she had decided to retire from international cricket earlier this year. However, she was persuaded to reconsider by CSA director of cricket Enoch Nkwe and is now grateful that she did not go through with it.Kapp had been feeling the strain of balancing franchise cricket with her commitments to the South African team, which is undergoing a rebuilding phase. The fitness controversy surrounding her wife, Dane van Niekerk, had also taken its toll.However, Nkwe urged Kapp to take her time and consider her decision carefully. They have since worked together to manage her workload, and Kapp is now committed to playing for South Africa for the foreseeable future."I did retire earlier this year - or asked to retire - and luckily I didn't," Kapp told ESPNcricinfo. "I spoke to the director of cricket, and he actually asked me to just hang on, think it through, [and] don't make decisions too quickly, and I'm glad that I didn't go through with it because I feel like I'm at the peak of my career."Kapp's decision to continue playing is a major boost for South Africa, who have lost several big names in recent years, including van Niekerk, Mignon du Preez, Lizelle Lee, and Shabnim Ismail.Kapp's ODI bowling workload will be carefully managed, but she remains confident of playing a full all-round role in T20s for both her franchise sides and her country. She has committed to playing all ODIs which are part of the Women's Championship and count towards World Cup qualification, but will miss some T20Is including November's series against England, which overlaps with the end of the WBBL.Kapp's decision to sign a three-year deal with the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL was influenced by the opportunity to work with coach Jonathan Batty and play alongside Meg Lanning. She is also looking forward to having a chance to settle with one team after a difficult season with the Sydney Thunder last year.Overall, Kapp believes that she is at the peak of her career, and her numbers support this claim. In all T20s this year, her average is 33.06 and her strike rate at 142.97, both considerably up on her career figures. In ODIs since 2023, she is averaging 62.63.Kapp traces her success back to the Test century against England in 2022, but admits that it has been a difficult journey. "It's probably been my toughest couple of years; it's not been easy," she said. "I've always enjoyed my batting… but [I used to] feel like the world was always so focused on my bowling and wouldn't speak about my batting, and that makes you lose confidence."

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has returned to the Melbourne Renegades for the upcoming Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) season, signing a one-year deal as a pre-draft signing. Matthews' return comes after a disappointing debut season with the Renegades, where she struggled to replicate her impressive performances for the West Indies.Despite finishing as the Renegades' joint-leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps, Matthews managed only 255 runs at an average of 19.61 and a strike rate of 114.34. The Renegades endured a forgettable campaign, finishing bottom of the table with just two wins.However, the Renegades are hopeful that Matthews' return, along with the availability of Sophie Molineux after injury and the potential addition of Tayla Vlaeminck, will boost their prospects for the 2024-25 season."We haven't achieved what we've wanted to the last couple of years but with some key members back and some new additions cooking up as well, I'm confident we can go out there and put it all together," Matthews said.Matthews is the fourth overseas player to be signed ahead of the WBBL draft, joining Amelia Kerr (Sydney Sixers), Nadine de Klerk (Brisbane Heat), and Marizanne Kapp (Melbourne Stars).Meanwhile, in domestic moves, the two Sydney clubs have bolstered their pace attacks. Courtney Sippel has signed a three-year deal with the Sixers after moving from the Heat, while Taneale Peschel has joined the Thunder from the Perth Scorchers.Peschel, who was talked out of retirement by Thunder coach Lisa Keightley, is excited about the opportunity to play under her former Western Australia and Scorchers coach."At the Scorchers, I've been given…every opportunity, but I felt like I'd been stagnant for the last season or two," Peschel said. "I always play the safe card and I've always stayed in WA and thought, okay, I'm still getting opportunity, I'll stay here. I think just this year, something clicked.""I thought, I've got to try something else. I've got to stop playing a safe card. Who knows what something like a change to another team can offer my career."

The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) is facing a potential squeeze on overseas player availability due to the tournament's proximity to the T20 World Cup. However, the reduced length of the competition will allow for more primetime games and increased use of technology.Nominations for the overseas draft are currently open, and Cricket Australia (CA) remains confident in attracting top international talent. However, the busy schedule may deter some players from participating. England's Nat Sciver-Brunt has already ruled herself out this season.To manage player workload, the WBBL has been trimmed to a 40-game regular season with three finals. However, the schedule faces pressure at both ends, with Australia and India starting an ODI series four days after the final and England facing South Africa during the finals.Despite the challenges, CA is optimistic about securing a strong contingent of overseas players. "We are excited about the players who have signed and think over the next month or two we'll get a sense from players as to how they are preparing for the World Cup and their appetite to come quickly to Australia," said Alistair Dobson, head of the BBL.The tournament's stadium series has been expanded and brought forward to replicate the crowd growth experienced in other leagues. A standalone match will be played at the Gabba for the first time, and there will be two games each at the MCG and SCG.To enhance the broadcast experience, a third umpire will be in operation at every game for line calls. There will also be an increase in matches with the Decision Review System (DRS) available.The full WBBL 2024-25 fixture list is as follows:[Insert fixture list here]

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.

WBBL and BBL Squad Building: Pre-Draft Overseas Signings and Player MovementAhead of the 2024-25 WBBL and BBL seasons, teams are actively building their squads through player movement and pre-draft overseas signings. In both competitions, teams are permitted to sign one overseas player before the drafts, which are scheduled for early September.WBBLWBBL squads consist of 15 players. The Adelaide Strikers have retained the core of their squad, including Tahlia McGrath, Megan Schutt, and Amanda-Jade Wellington. They have also added Jemma Barsby and Darcie Brown. The Brisbane Heat have signed Nadine de Klerk and Laura Harris, while the Hobart Hurricanes have brought in Lauren Smith from the Thunder. The Melbourne Renegades have added Josie Dooley and Ella Hayward, while the Melbourne Stars have signed Sophie Day and Nicole Faltum. The Perth Scorchers have bolstered their squad with Chloe Ainsworth and Stella Campbell, and the Sydney Sixers have acquired Amelia Kerr from the Heat.BBLBBL squads can have up to 19 players. The Adelaide Strikers have retained key players such as D'Arcy Short, Matt Short, and Jake Weatherald. They have also signed Jordan Buckingham from the Thunder. The Brisbane Heat have added Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson, while the Hobart Hurricanes have brought in Charlie Wakim. The Melbourne Renegades have signed Josh Brown from the Heat, while the Melbourne Stars have signed Tom Curran from the Sixers. The Perth Scorchers have retained their core group, including Mitchell Marsh and Jhye Richardson. The Sydney Sixers have added Wes Agar and Sam Billings from the Thunder, while the Sydney Thunder have signed Cameron Bancroft and Sam Billings.Key Player Movements* Wes Agar (Thunder to Sixers)* Sam Billings (Thunder to Sixers)* Alex Ross (Strikers to Thunder)* Josh Brown (Heat to Renegades)* Tom Curran (Sixers to Stars)* Lauren Smith (Hurricanes to Thunder)* Amelia Kerr (Heat to Sixers)Overseas Signings* Tom Curran (Stars)* Charlie Wakim (Hurricanes)

The Hobart Hurricanes have secured the first pick in the upcoming Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) draft, following a weighted lottery that favored teams that missed the finals in the 2023-24 season. The Hurricanes, Sydney Sixers, Melbourne Renegades, and Melbourne Stars, who all failed to reach the playoffs, were given the first four picks, followed by the four teams that made the postseason.Despite finishing in the bottom two last season, the Melbourne teams were unable to secure the top pick, which went to the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes had a strong draft last year, selecting Shabnim Ismail, Bryony Smith, and Lizelle Lee as a direct nomination.The Perth Scorchers, who were eliminated in the Challenger, will have the last pick in rounds one, two, and four of the draft. However, the order will be reversed in round three. Clubs can trade picks, so the order may change before the draft takes place in September.Last season, the Sydney Thunder used their first pick to select South Africa allrounder Marizanne Kapp as a platinum player, while the Scorchers opted not to use their retention option. This year, clubs can sign up to four overseas players, including those who join under the new multi-year pre-draft option. New Zealand's Amelia Kerr became the first player to sign under this system, joining the Sixers after leaving the Brisbane Heat.The pre-draft option essentially replaces the direct nominations system used last year. If clubs sign a fourth overseas player, they will become the first overseas replacement. The draft will again feature four price bands: platinum (AU$110,000), gold (AU$90,000), silver (AU$65,000), and bronze (AU$40,000).Next season's WBBL has been reduced to a 40-game regular season to manage the workload of players and boost attendance. The tournament is expected to start shortly after the conclusion of the Women's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, which ends on October 20.Given the proximity of the World Cup to the WBBL season, it remains to be seen how many of the world's leading players will commit to the tournament in Australia.

Ashley Noffke, a highly respected coach in Australian cricket, has made a significant career move by leaving his roles with Queensland's WNCL team, Brisbane Heat in the WBBL, and UP Warriorz in the WPL to take up a new coaching position with the Otago men's team in New Zealand.Noffke's departure marks a continuation of coaching changes within Queensland cricket, following the departure of Wade Seccombe from the men's team and Heat despite their BBL title victory. Noffke was considered a strong candidate for those roles before Johan Botha was appointed.Mark Sorell, who previously coached the Australian women's team from 2005-2007, has been named as Noffke's replacement for both Queensland and Heat on a one-season contract."This is a fantastic opportunity for me in my coaching journey," Noffke said of his move to Otago. "The Volts and Otago Cricket are on the cusp of something special, and I'm keen to be part of that."Noffke took on the Heat and Queensland coaching roles in 2019-20, leading the Heat to a WBBL title in his first season and guiding Queensland to its inaugural WNCL title in 2020-21."It's bittersweet to be leaving the Fire and the Heat," he said in a Queensland Cricket statement. "I'm excited about what lies ahead, especially working in a new program, but there are a lot of good memories from my time in Queensland."Noffke, who starts with Otago later this month, will continue as coach of London Spirit in the Women's Hundred this season before resuming the pre-season back in New Zealand.Queensland and Heat captain Jess Jonassen acknowledged the recent coaching changes but expressed confidence in the teams' ability to handle the transition."We've undergone some change throughout the off season and to have 'Motsa' [Sorrell] commit to the head coach position is a great way to provide our group with some stability moving forward," she said. "He is extremely experienced and brings a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm to the role. I'm excited to see him dive in and continue to challenge the group."

Sydney Sixers have pulled off a major coup by signing New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr on a three-year deal, taking advantage of the WBBL's new contracting rules. Kerr, ranked as the world's No. 2 allrounder, joins the Sixers after three successful seasons with the Brisbane Heat.The new rules allow each WBBL club to sign one player outside of the overseas draft, a move designed to retain talent and counter the lure of overseas leagues. The Sixers have made the most of this opportunity by securing the services of one of the most sought-after players in the world.Kerr has been a standout performer for the Heat, winning the club's player-of-the-year award three times. She is a versatile allrounder, capable of contributing with both bat and ball. As a batter, she has scored over 1,000 runs in the WBBL, including a century in the 2021-22 season. With the ball, she has taken 62 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.42.The 23-year-old's decision to join the Sixers was influenced by her family ties to Sydney. Her sister, Jess, played for the Sixers last season, and the opportunity to be closer to family was a major factor in her decision."It was an extremely hard decision to leave Brisbane as the players and staff there have been nothing but good to me," Kerr said. "But with the scheduling of women's cricket there is not much downtime and being based in Sydney was a big part of my decision."The Heat attempted to retain Kerr under the pre-draft multi-year contract system, but ultimately her desire to be closer to family swayed her decision."The Heat were keen to retain Melie and put a competitive offer to her," said Queensland's head of cricket, Joe Dawes. "However, we understand that being near to family is important in this stage of her life."Kerr's departure is a significant loss for the Heat, but the Sixers will be delighted to have secured her services. She is a world-class player who will undoubtedly make a major contribution to their team.