If you were hoping to see Kieron Pollard, Faf du Plessis or Andre Russell in action this summer, Sunday’s first BBL draft would have been a huge disappointment.
More than 300 players from 20 countries were available for the eight Big Bash franchises, with four levels designed to separate the elite from the rest.
Pollard, du Plessis and Russell – along with Rashid Khan and Liam Livingstone – were all part of the “platinum” record.
But shocked, the big guns were not picked up by the eight clubs and will not make their appearance during the 2022-23 Season.
Instead, the clubs chose availability throughout the tournament over star power, leaving Russell and Pollard unsheltered.
BBL Chief Executive Alistair Dobson said the very first project had been a success and welcomed a host of big names to the competition.
“The first KFC BBL draft was a resounding success and the perfect start to the countdown to the big summer party,” Dobson said.
“The league is delighted to welcome many of the biggest names in the world to the competition, complemented by the next group.
“We congratulate all the clubs for their attitude and we are looking forward to seeing the players put on a show for all the Fans during the match.
“Our thanks also go to Fox Cricket, as well as to players and agents around the world for their support of the draft concept.”
And while Cricket Australia is publicly exuding an Aura of success, there is no doubt that they will privately gush about the result of the draft.
After its undeniable success at the beginning of the season, the big party has become an obsolete product in recent years, the board attracting all the tips and tricks under the sun to attract more crowds and spectators.
recent times obviously did not help their cause, but the overall product dropped and the length of the Season became a big problem that unfortunately cannot be solved due to the existing television rights.
In an attempt to increase the number of spectators and the ratings in the BBL|12, the league was able to recruit people like Pollard, Russell and du Plessis for the draft.
But the fact that you have not been fished out for two whole rounds will not do your respective Ego any good, and the chances of getting your hand in the dough again should be considered slim.
It is easy to understand why the clubs have chosen players who are available for the entire tournament, but this is a key part of the job for CA and its broadcasters.
Russell, Pollard and Dwayne Bravo are box office attractions. People tune in to the TV or buy a ticket for the game just to watch them play.
The biggest box office attraction of all – Christopher Henry Gayle-is apparently blacklisted for a BBL comeback, while Indian stars Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya are unavailable.
The Melbourne Renegades have been able to increase their holdings with Liam Livingstone and Mujeeb ur-Rahman, while the likes of Trent Boult and Asif Ali will be joining the big bash for the first time.
