Teams confirm their squads

Just one week remains until the start of the KFC T20 Big Bash League with the eight teams submitting their final 18-player squads at the close of the contracting period at 5pm this afternoon.

Featuring eight city-based teams, the KFC T20 Big Bash League will deliver energy, colour and a fast-paced atmosphere when it starts next Friday, 16 December.

Cricket Australia’s Mike McKenna said:

“The biggest building block for the league is now in place. The contracting process generated a lot of discussion and what has been most interesting was the number of high-profile players and rising stars relocating to different parts of Australia in search of new experiences and opportunities.”

“Last year’s Big Bash announced the arrival of Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins and they’ve since gone on to play Test and one-day cricket. One of the most exciting parts of the competition will be to see who the next David Warner, Cummins, Lyon or even, Dan Christian, will be.

“Teams will start to assemble from this weekend, with Sunday’s Ryobi One-Day Cup game and the second Vodafone Test the last matches to be played before the League takes centre stage from 16 December until Christmas.

“Playing over the Christmas and New Year period also guarantees there will be high-quality cricket in each Australian capital city during the game’s peak time of year. Fans will have plenty of opportunities to see some of the stars of the game up close.”

The league has attracted 17 of the biggest names in international T20 to play alongside Australia’s young guns and established stars. Including the league’s latest overseas recruit Johan Botha, seven of the international players have captained their country which provides a broad layer of leadership and experience to complement the even spread of Australian talent across the squads.

Each team has filled its quota of two overseas players however they are entitled to sign an additional two replacement players in case of their initial two being unavailable for part of the season.

From tomorrow, Teams can apply to the BBL Technical Committee to replace players due to tournament-ending injuries or other exceptional circumstances.

The League will provide unparalleled player access to fans and the media, taking players into the living rooms of Australia. FOX SPORTS will continue its innovative cricket coverage, starting with the first match next Friday between the Sydney Sixers taking on Brisbane Heat at the SCG.

Tickets for all matches are on sale now. From just $42.50, a family can grab a slice of the action, while single match tickets are great value - from $20 for an adult, $5 for a child and $12 for a student. It’s T20 for $20! Tickets to Brisbane Heat matches include public transport, so click HERE for details for specific teams.