Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) is unique in its own ways. The league has some interesting rules, like the bat flip and power surge, which make it stand out from other T20 leagues.
But what’s even more intriguing to know is the number of players allowed to sign, especially overseas cricketers.
So, what’s the squad size in the BBL?
Each BBL team can have a maximum of 18 players on its roster at any point in a season. That means teams can sign a couple more players, though they will be part of their replacements.
Among the permitted roster, 14 to 15 are domestic Australian players. Teams hand them direct contracts within their allowed salary cap. The BBL clubs, though, can sign two marquee players outside their salary cap.
Who are the marquee players?
Those with Cricket Australia’s national contracts qualify as marquee players. Teams can sign two nationally contracted players, who may not be available for a complete season.
These players will be part of the marquee supplementary list. Once they are available to play, they will join the main squad.
Check overseas player limit in other T20 leagues here
How Many Overseas Players Are Allowed in IPL Teams?
How Many Overseas Players Are Allowed in a WPL Team?
How Many Overseas Players Are Allowed in a CPL Team?
What about the overseas players in the BBL?
Well, each BBL club can sign a minimum of two and a maximum of four overseas players in the draft.
Teams can pre-sign one of the four overseas players before the draft. Even if a team picks four overseas players in the draft, one of them will count as a replacement.
Clubs can sign two additional short-term replacement overseas players. But only three foreign players will be part of the regular 18-man squad.
So, how many overseas players are allowed in a BBL XI?
BBL teams can field all three overseas players in the playing XI, though it’s not mandatory. This differs slightly from the standard four overseas players allowed in other major T20 leagues.
Read Next | How Does a Player Draft Work in T20 Leagues?
