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This year’s overseas contingent is set to leave a major imprint on the Big Bash League, with BBL15 shaping up as one of the most star-studded seasons in recent memory. Familiar faces such as Tom Curran, Colin Munro and Sam Billings return, but they’re joined by a new wave of global superstars ready to light up Australian summer cricket.
Headlining the list is Pakistan megastar Babar Azam, who will suit up for the Sydney Sixers, while compatriots Shaheen Shah Afridi and Muhammad Rizwan are also locked in for the tournament. However, with international commitments, the ILT20 in the UAE and an already jam-packed global schedule, not every overseas recruit will be available for the full season.
So just how much of BBL15 will each franchise get from their overseas signings?
STRIKERS
Hasan Ali (Pakistan)
Availability: Full tournament
Adelaide landed a bargain in Hasan Ali during the third round of the BBL Draft. The experienced seamer is set to be available for the entire tournament, having not featured for Pakistan since August and sitting outside recent national selection discussions. Ali brings elite T20 pedigree, boasting 318 wickets across 221 matches and a tidy career economy of 8.17. Expect him to play a key role with the new ball and at the death alongside Jamie Overton.
Jamie Overton (England)
Availability: Potential late-season absence
A fan favourite in Adelaide, Overton was retained after being named the Strikers’ MVP last season. His all-round impact has been immense, combining powerful middle-order hitting with clever variations in pace. England’s tour of Sri Lanka, beginning January 22, could rule him out of the back end of the tournament and finals, but until then he remains central to Adelaide’s plans.
Luke Wood (England)
Availability: Potential late-season absence
The Strikers’ first-round draft pick returns after a previous stint with Melbourne Stars. Wood’s left-arm pace and ability to swing the ball early make him a weapon, while his versatility allows him to bowl at the death if needed. Like Overton, he’s a chance to be called into England’s Sri Lanka tour squad, which could see him miss finals.
HEAT
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)
Availability: Partial tournament
One of the biggest names to ever join the BBL, Shaheen Afridi arrives with a fearsome reputation. Brisbane’s first draft pick will almost certainly miss matches between January 7 and 11 due to Pakistan’s T20 series against Sri Lanka. Even in limited appearances, Afridi’s pace, swing and 460 career T20 wickets make him a game-changer with the new ball and at the death.
Tom Alsop (England)
Availability: Full tournament
Retained after featuring in BBL14, Alsop will be available for the entire campaign. The wicketkeeper-batter impressed late last season and showed strong form in The Hundred. Brisbane will be hoping he adds consistency and firepower through the middle order.
Colin Munro (New Zealand)
Availability: Full tournament
Now a familiar face in Brisbane colours, Munro enters the final season of his two-year deal. While BBL14 was a struggle, his previous seasons showcased why he’s regarded as one of the BBL’s most dangerous overseas batters. With full availability confirmed, Munro will be eager to bounce back in a big way.
HURRICANES
Rehan Ahmed (England)
Availability: Uncertain
Hobart’s plans were disrupted after Ahmed suffered a lower leg strain during the Ashes warm-up. While reports suggest he should still be able to feature, his recovery timeline and potential England selection for the Sri Lanka tour leave his availability uncertain. If fit, the young leg-spinner adds flair and depth with both bat and ball.
Rishad Hossain (Bangladesh)
Availability: Full tournament
After missing out last season, Hossain finally gets his BBL opportunity. The leg-spinner impressed at the 2024 T20 World Cup and brings attacking variation to Hobart’s bowling attack. Crucially, he’s expected to be available for the entire tournament.
Chris Jordan (England)
Availability: Full tournament
A key figure in Hobart’s title win last season, Jordan remains one of the most reliable T20 specialists in the world. His ability to control key overs makes him invaluable, and full availability is a massive boost for the defending champions.
RENEGADES
Hassan Khan (Pakistan/USA)
Availability: Full tournament
Now a full-time Renegade after a brief stint last season, Khan impressed coach Cameron White in Major League Cricket. His all-round skillset gives Melbourne flexibility in both the middle order and bowling rotation.
Muhammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
Availability: Full tournament
One of the most exciting signings in BBL history, Rizwan is expected to open the batting. With staggering T20 numbers and no immediate international clashes, he shapes as a season-defining acquisition for the Renegades.
Tim Seifert (New Zealand)
Availability: Potential finals absence
Seifert returns for year two of his contract after leading the Renegades’ run charts last season. A potential New Zealand T20 series against India starting January 22 could see him miss finals, though his national selection remains uncertain.
STARS
Joe Clarke (England)
Availability: Full tournament
A proven BBL performer, Clarke returns for another full season with the Stars. His experience and stroke-making at the top of the order provide stability and firepower for Melbourne.
