WBBL end to clash with England’s South Africa tour, players to miss out

England players will miss out on the final leg of the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) as they are scheduled to travel to South Africa at the same time. In the 2024 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), they had the same issue and were forced to pick between country and club. To avoid the situation this time around, the England and Wales Cricket (ECB) has informed the players before the WBBL Draft and also shared the requirements.

As per the regulations, the players who will be part of the T20I series will have to report in South Africa on November 17, while the cricketers who will be part of the ODI squad will have to join on November 27. Meanwhile, the upcoming edition of the WBBL will begin on October 27 and will continue till December 1.

“If a player is selected in the T20 squad, we're expecting them into South Africa on November 17 and if they're named in the ODI squad we're expecting them into South Africa on the 27th. That's been reflected in everyone's availability when they've gone into the draft,” Jonathan Finch, Director of England Women's Cricket, told ESPNcricinfo. 

Meanwhile, seven England cricketers are part of the upcoming WBBL. Danni Wyatt-Hodge joined Hobart Hurricanes, Sophie Ecclestone was retained by Sydney Sixers, and Heather Knight was retained by Sydney Thunder for the next season. All these three cricketers were platinum picks, meaning they are worth £56,000 but that’s subject to availability.

Also Read - WBBL and BBL 2024 Draft: Full list of picks, teams, squads, and all you need to know

On the other hand, flamboyant Alice Capsey was roped in by Melbourne Renegades and Amy Jones will be making her return to Perth Scorchers. Both were gold picks, meaning they have signed a deal worth £46,000. Lastly, Hollie Armitage and Georgia Adams joined Sydney Sixers and Thunder respectively on a £20,000 deal.

Interestingly, this was not the first time when England cricketers would miss out on the final leg of WBBL. Last year, Bess Heath and Danielle Gibson missed out on the final as England called for a camp in Mumbai ahead of the India series.