It is the season of the T20 leagues and there’s no better way to start it than the slam-bang tournament down under. The Big Bash League (BBL) was revolutionized in 2011 to make all the teams as city-based franchises in which previously six state teams used to compete. The Australian franchise cricket, after it’s seven successful seasons would be back with its eighth edition, commencing from 19th of December.

The ever-growing prominence of T20 cricket in the cricketing landscape provides the ideal opportunity for rookies to create an impact and be recognized. Over the years, several raw talents have sprung up exquisite performances and the upcoming season would bring with it another set of fresh faces who can set the stage on fire.

Here we bring you 5 new players to watch out for in BBL:

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/09/Usman-Qadir-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-283079" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Usman-Qadir-1.jpg" alt="Usman Qadir" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-283079" class="wp-caption-text">Usman Qadir. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The Pakistan-born leg-spinner, who expressed his desire to represent Australia in the ICC World Twenty20 in 2020, is the son of the former Pakistan cricketer, Abdul Qadir. Abdul Qadir was one of the finest leg-spinners of his era and was declared by Graham Gooch as &#8220;even finer than <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kashmir-kid-bowls-ball-of-the-century-gets-praised-by-shane-warne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shane Warne</a>&#8220;.

While still not eligible to play for Australia, nothing stops the 25-year old Usman to display the talent at the domestic circuit that he may have inherited from his father. His T20 record may not be very impressive, however, considering that Australian batsmen struggle against spinners, the leggie can prove instrumental for the Perth Scorchers and be picked for the national team. Being the lone spinner in the squad currently gives hope for Qadir that he will play almost every match this season.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/Lloyd-Pope.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-213357" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Lloyd-Pope.jpg" alt="Lloyd Pope" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-213357" class="wp-caption-text">Lloyd Pope. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The teenage leg-spin bowler was first spotted handing England a thrashing in the 2018 U19 Cricket World Cup. Chasing a paltry total of 128 set by Australia, their arch-rivals could manage just 96, thanks to Pope’s bowling figures of 8 for 35, which remains the best bowling figures in the tournament.

He was instantly tipped to be Australia’s next big thing since shades of their former spin king Shane Warne were seen and was expedited to play first-class cricket for South Australia. Pope will join an already experienced crew of spinners at the Sydney Sixers, consisting of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/nathan-lyon-reveals-the-reason-behind-aaron-finchs-decision-to-not-review-his-dismissal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nathan Lyon</a> and Steve O&#8217;Keefe.

Playing alongside them can do Pope’s confidence a world of good. After bamboozling the country’s junior ranking batsmen, the spin wizard could be on his way to befuddle the international troops.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Kings-XI-Punjab.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-248221" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kings-XI-Punjab.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-248221" class="wp-caption-text">Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

The Afghan off-spinner has formed one of the formidable spin-bowling attacks along with his colleague Rashid Khan. He is one of the chief architects for Afghanistan’s rapid rise in international cricket. The 17-year old has been termed as a complete package for his ability to bowl off-spin, mixing up leg-spin deliveries including sharp googlies.

Being a relatively lesser-known player in the lucrative <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/category/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a>, he struck a deal with the Kings XI Punjab for INR 4 crores. The off-spinner’s effort of 14 wickets from 10 fixtures was one of the silver linings in their abysmal campaign. He was a go-to bowler for the side, providing them with crucial wickets.

The teenage prodigy will join Brisbane Heat to play alongside the spinners Mitchell Swepson and Yasir Shah. Rahman can be a good addition to a team who have been slightly inconsistent since winning the title in 2012-13 season.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/06/Joe-Root-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-263304" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Joe-Root-2.jpg" alt="Joe Root" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-263304" class="wp-caption-text">Joe Root. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)</figcaption>

England&#8216;s Test captain may not be the most ideal player for the shortest format of the game but provides the much-required solidity and stability in the middle order. Having an average of nearly 36 in T20Is, Root has played several crucial knocks to inspire his national side to victory in T20 Internationals. He was one of the blockbuster signings for the Sydney Thunder in the upcoming season. In 61 T20s, he averages nearly 33.

Root may not be available for the Sydney-based franchise in his maiden appearance in the tournament but could be decisive in their group stage matches. The 27-year old from Yorkshire is also best known for adapting to conditions and assembling the innings according to the needs of the situation. His off-spin can be handy to break some key partnerships.

Having an experienced campaigner like Root could mean no harm for the side as he can not only steer the innings but also provide the perfect finishing touches like any finisher. All these factors make him the one to watch out for in the upcoming tournament.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Jos-Buttler-of-RR.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-251317" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Jos-Buttler-of-RR.jpg" alt="Jos Buttler" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-251317" class="wp-caption-text">Jos Buttler (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

Jos Buttler needs no introduction, for he is the very reason to England’s dominance in limited-overs cricket in recent times. The versatile wicket-keeper batsman can bat in any position and has the ability to win matches single-handedly for his team. The Englishman was one of the marquee signings done by the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bbl-2018-19-joe-root-jos-buttler-sign-sydney-thunder/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney Thunder</a> along with their Test captain Joe Root.

Buttler, however, has been opening the innings of late for his national side and is known as the best wicketkeeper-batsman today. The 28-year old can prove to be their most valuable asset and is capable of turning the team’s fortunes substantially.

An epic show of batting was put by Buttler in the IPL 2018, where he dragged Rajasthan Royals to the playoffs by getting promoted to the opening position. The right-hander scored a mammoth 548 runs in 13 games at an average of 54.80. Jos Buttler opening with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/australia-vs-india-usman-khawaja-takes-a-screamer-to-send-virat-kohli-packing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Usman Khawaja</a> could provide the Sydney Thunder with very fruitful results.

It is the season of the T20 leagues and there’s no better way to start it than the slam-bang tournament down under. The Big Bash League (BBL) was revolutionized in 2011 to make all the teams as city-based franchises in which previously six state teams used to compete. The Australian franchise cricket, after it’s seven successful seasons would be back with its eighth edition, commencing from 19th of December.
The ever-growing prominence of T20 cricket in the cricketing landscape provides the ideal opportunity for rookies to create an impact and be recognized. Over the years, several raw talents have sprung up exquisite performances and the upcoming season would bring with it another set of fresh faces who can set the stage on fire.
<h3>Here we bring you 5 new players to watch out for in BBL:</h3>
<h3>5. Usman Qadir</h3>
<figure id="attachment_283079" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-283079" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/09/Usman-Qadir-1.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-283079" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Usman-Qadir-1.jpg" alt="Usman Qadir" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-283079" class="wp-caption-text">Usman Qadir. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The Pakistan-born leg-spinner, who expressed his desire to represent Australia in the ICC World Twenty20 in 2020, is the son of the former Pakistan cricketer, Abdul Qadir. Abdul Qadir was one of the finest leg-spinners of his era and was declared by Graham Gooch as “even finer than <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kashmir-kid-bowls-ball-of-the-century-gets-praised-by-shane-warne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shane Warne</a>“.
While still not eligible to play for Australia, nothing stops the 25-year old Usman to display the talent at the domestic circuit that he may have inherited from his father. His T20 record may not be very impressive, however, considering that Australian batsmen struggle against spinners, the leggie can prove instrumental for the Perth Scorchers and be picked for the national team. Being the lone spinner in the squad currently gives hope for Qadir that he will play almost every match this season.
<h3>4. Lloyd Pope</h3>
<figure id="attachment_213357" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-213357" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/Lloyd-Pope.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-213357" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Lloyd-Pope.jpg" alt="Lloyd Pope" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-213357" class="wp-caption-text">Lloyd Pope. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The teenage leg-spin bowler was first spotted handing England a thrashing in the 2018 U19 Cricket World Cup. Chasing a paltry total of 128 set by Australia, their arch-rivals could manage just 96, thanks to Pope’s bowling figures of 8 for 35, which remains the best bowling figures in the tournament.
He was instantly tipped to be Australia’s next big thing since shades of their former spin king Shane Warne were seen and was expedited to play first-class cricket for South Australia. Pope will join an already experienced crew of spinners at the Sydney Sixers, consisting of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/nathan-lyon-reveals-the-reason-behind-aaron-finchs-decision-to-not-review-his-dismissal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nathan Lyon</a> and Steve O’Keefe.
Playing alongside them can do Pope’s confidence a world of good. After bamboozling the country’s junior ranking batsmen, the spin wizard could be on his way to befuddle the international troops.
<h3>3. Mujeeb Ur-Rahman</h3>
<figure id="attachment_248221" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-248221" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Kings-XI-Punjab.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-248221" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kings-XI-Punjab.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-248221" class="wp-caption-text">Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
The Afghan off-spinner has formed one of the formidable spin-bowling attacks along with his colleague Rashid Khan. He is one of the chief architects for Afghanistan’s rapid rise in international cricket. The 17-year old has been termed as a complete package for his ability to bowl off-spin, mixing up leg-spin deliveries including sharp googlies.
Being a relatively lesser-known player in the lucrative <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/category/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a>, he struck a deal with the Kings XI Punjab for INR 4 crores. The off-spinner’s effort of 14 wickets from 10 fixtures was one of the silver linings in their abysmal campaign. He was a go-to bowler for the side, providing them with crucial wickets.
The teenage prodigy will join Brisbane Heat to play alongside the spinners Mitchell Swepson and Yasir Shah. Rahman can be a good addition to a team who have been slightly inconsistent since winning the title in 2012-13 season.
<h3>2. Joe Root</h3>
<figure id="attachment_263304" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-263304" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/06/Joe-Root-2.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-263304" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Joe-Root-2.jpg" alt="Joe Root" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-263304" class="wp-caption-text">Joe Root. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
England‘s Test captain may not be the most ideal player for the shortest format of the game but provides the much-required solidity and stability in the middle order. Having an average of nearly 36 in T20Is, Root has played several crucial knocks to inspire his national side to victory in T20 Internationals. He was one of the blockbuster signings for the Sydney Thunder in the upcoming season. In 61 T20s, he averages nearly 33.
Root may not be available for the Sydney-based franchise in his maiden appearance in the tournament but could be decisive in their group stage matches. The 27-year old from Yorkshire is also best known for adapting to conditions and assembling the innings according to the needs of the situation. His off-spin can be handy to break some key partnerships.
Having an experienced campaigner like Root could mean no harm for the side as he can not only steer the innings but also provide the perfect finishing touches like any finisher. All these factors make him the one to watch out for in the upcoming tournament.
<h3>1. Jos Buttler</h3>
<figure id="attachment_251317" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-251317" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Jos-Buttler-of-RR.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-251317" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Jos-Buttler-of-RR.jpg" alt="Jos Buttler" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-251317" class="wp-caption-text">Jos Buttler (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Jos Buttler needs no introduction, for he is the very reason to England’s dominance in limited-overs cricket in recent times. The versatile wicket-keeper batsman can bat in any position and has the ability to win matches single-handedly for his team. The Englishman was one of the marquee signings done by the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bbl-2018-19-joe-root-jos-buttler-sign-sydney-thunder/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney Thunder</a> along with their Test captain Joe Root.
Buttler, however, has been opening the innings of late for his national side and is known as the best wicketkeeper-batsman today. The 28-year old can prove to be their most valuable asset and is capable of turning the team’s fortunes substantially.
An epic show of batting was put by Buttler in the IPL 2018, where he dragged Rajasthan Royals to the playoffs by getting promoted to the opening position. The right-hander scored a mammoth 548 runs in 13 games at an average of 54.80. Jos Buttler opening with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/australia-vs-india-usman-khawaja-takes-a-screamer-to-send-virat-kohli-packing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Usman Khawaja</a> could provide the Sydney Thunder with very fruitful results.

It is the season of the T20 leagues and there’s no better way to start it than the slam-bang tournament down under. The Big Bash League (BBL) was revolutionized in 2011 to make all the teams as city-based franchises in which previously six state teams used to compete. The Australian franchise cricket, after it’s seven successful seasons would be back with its eighth edition, commencing from 19th of December.
The ever-growing prominence of T20 cricket in the cricketing landscape provides the ideal opportunity for rookies to create an impact and be recognized. Over the years, several raw talents have sprung up exquisite performances and the upcoming season would bring with it another set of fresh faces who can set the stage on fire.
<h3>Here we bring you 5 new players to watch out for in BBL:</h3>
<h3>5. Usman Qadir</h3>
<figure id="attachment_283079" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-283079" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/09/Usman-Qadir-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-283079" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Usman-Qadir-1.jpg" alt="Usman Qadir" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-283079" class="wp-caption-text">Usman Qadir. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The Pakistan-born leg-spinner, who expressed his desire to represent Australia in the ICC World Twenty20 in 2020, is the son of the former Pakistan cricketer, Abdul Qadir. Abdul Qadir was one of the finest leg-spinners of his era and was declared by Graham Gooch as &#8220;even finer than <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kashmir-kid-bowls-ball-of-the-century-gets-praised-by-shane-warne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shane Warne</a>&#8220;.
While still not eligible to play for Australia, nothing stops the 25-year old Usman to display the talent at the domestic circuit that he may have inherited from his father. His T20 record may not be very impressive, however, considering that Australian batsmen struggle against spinners, the leggie can prove instrumental for the Perth Scorchers and be picked for the national team. Being the lone spinner in the squad currently gives hope for Qadir that he will play almost every match this season.
<h3>4. Lloyd Pope</h3>
<figure id="attachment_213357" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-213357" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/Lloyd-Pope.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-213357" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Lloyd-Pope.jpg" alt="Lloyd Pope" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-213357" class="wp-caption-text">Lloyd Pope. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The teenage leg-spin bowler was first spotted handing England a thrashing in the 2018 U19 Cricket World Cup. Chasing a paltry total of 128 set by Australia, their arch-rivals could manage just 96, thanks to Pope’s bowling figures of 8 for 35, which remains the best bowling figures in the tournament.
He was instantly tipped to be Australia’s next big thing since shades of their former spin king Shane Warne were seen and was expedited to play first-class cricket for South Australia. Pope will join an already experienced crew of spinners at the Sydney Sixers, consisting of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/nathan-lyon-reveals-the-reason-behind-aaron-finchs-decision-to-not-review-his-dismissal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nathan Lyon</a> and Steve O&#8217;Keefe.
Playing alongside them can do Pope’s confidence a world of good. After bamboozling the country’s junior ranking batsmen, the spin wizard could be on his way to befuddle the international troops.
<h3>3. Mujeeb Ur-Rahman</h3>
<figure id="attachment_248221" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-248221" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Kings-XI-Punjab.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-248221" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kings-XI-Punjab.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-248221" class="wp-caption-text">Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
The Afghan off-spinner has formed one of the formidable spin-bowling attacks along with his colleague Rashid Khan. He is one of the chief architects for Afghanistan’s rapid rise in international cricket. The 17-year old has been termed as a complete package for his ability to bowl off-spin, mixing up leg-spin deliveries including sharp googlies.
Being a relatively lesser-known player in the lucrative <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/category/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a>, he struck a deal with the Kings XI Punjab for INR 4 crores. The off-spinner’s effort of 14 wickets from 10 fixtures was one of the silver linings in their abysmal campaign. He was a go-to bowler for the side, providing them with crucial wickets.
The teenage prodigy will join Brisbane Heat to play alongside the spinners Mitchell Swepson and Yasir Shah. Rahman can be a good addition to a team who have been slightly inconsistent since winning the title in 2012-13 season.
<h3>2. Joe Root</h3>
<figure id="attachment_263304" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-263304" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/06/Joe-Root-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-263304" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Joe-Root-2.jpg" alt="Joe Root" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-263304" class="wp-caption-text">Joe Root. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
England&#8216;s Test captain may not be the most ideal player for the shortest format of the game but provides the much-required solidity and stability in the middle order. Having an average of nearly 36 in T20Is, Root has played several crucial knocks to inspire his national side to victory in T20 Internationals. He was one of the blockbuster signings for the Sydney Thunder in the upcoming season. In 61 T20s, he averages nearly 33.
Root may not be available for the Sydney-based franchise in his maiden appearance in the tournament but could be decisive in their group stage matches. The 27-year old from Yorkshire is also best known for adapting to conditions and assembling the innings according to the needs of the situation. His off-spin can be handy to break some key partnerships.
Having an experienced campaigner like Root could mean no harm for the side as he can not only steer the innings but also provide the perfect finishing touches like any finisher. All these factors make him the one to watch out for in the upcoming tournament.
<h3>1. Jos Buttler</h3>
<figure id="attachment_251317" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-251317" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Jos-Buttler-of-RR.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-251317" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Jos-Buttler-of-RR.jpg" alt="Jos Buttler" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-251317" class="wp-caption-text">Jos Buttler (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Jos Buttler needs no introduction, for he is the very reason to England’s dominance in limited-overs cricket in recent times. The versatile wicket-keeper batsman can bat in any position and has the ability to win matches single-handedly for his team. The Englishman was one of the marquee signings done by the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bbl-2018-19-joe-root-jos-buttler-sign-sydney-thunder/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney Thunder</a> along with their Test captain Joe Root.
Buttler, however, has been opening the innings of late for his national side and is known as the best wicketkeeper-batsman today. The 28-year old can prove to be their most valuable asset and is capable of turning the team’s fortunes substantially.
An epic show of batting was put by Buttler in the IPL 2018, where he dragged Rajasthan Royals to the playoffs by getting promoted to the opening position. The right-hander scored a mammoth 548 runs in 13 games at an average of 54.80. Jos Buttler opening with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/australia-vs-india-usman-khawaja-takes-a-screamer-to-send-virat-kohli-packing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Usman Khawaja</a> could provide the Sydney Thunder with very fruitful results.

These players will definitely set the stage on fire in their maiden BBL appearance.

BBL 2018-19: 5 Fresh faces to watch out for in the upcoming season

The Big Bash League (BBL) was revolutionized in 2011 to make all the teams as city-based franchises in which previously six state teams