Seven imports set to light up BBL|08

Rashid Khan (Adelaide Strikers)

The world's top-ranked T20 bowler, Afghan superstar Rashid Khan lived up to the hype last season and is back in Adelaide after another dominant year around the globe. The leg-spinner has starred with the ball for both his country and in domestic leagues worldwide in 2018 and has developed into a powerhouse with the bat in the lower order as well, even adding the 'helicopter shot' – made famous by MS Dhoni – to his repertoire.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Brisbane Heat)

Another Afghan teenager who has taken world cricket by storm in the past 12 months, Mujeeb looks to be a shrewd signing by the Heat after losing Pakistan leggie Shadab Khan to international duty. The spinner may be the youngest men's signing in Big Bash history, but he already has extensive experience internationally as well as in T20 leagues in Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. His strong showing in the IPL this year – he took 14 wickets and conceded less than seven runs an over for Kings XI Punjab – proves the hype around him is justified.

Jos Buttler (Sydney Thunder)

Arguably no player has enjoyed a year quite like Englishman Jos Buttler, who has made enormous strides forward since his stint with the Thunder last season. Already an undisputed star in England's T20 and ODI sides, the right-hander has now established himself as a Test player and has taken his form against the white ball to new heights in 2018. A powerful and creative top-order batsman and equally skilled with the gloves or in the field, the 28-year-old is one of the most feared players in the world.

Brendon McCullum (Brisbane Heat)

Almost three years after his international retirement, the grand old man of New Zealand cricket continues to shine in T20 leagues around the globe. McCullum's qualities are well known to Australian audiences; there's arguably no-one better to watch when in full flight and his partnership with his Bash Brother Chris Lynn will help pull the fans through the gate wherever the Heat play this summer. He has handed over the Heat's captaincy to Lynn this summer allowing him to focus on his batting, which could spell bad news for opposition bowlers.

Jofra Archer (Hobart Hurricanes)

Caribbean born and on the verge of qualifying for England, allrounder Jofra Archer was a revelation last season and is back for the Hurricanes in BBL|08. Relatively unknown heading into last summer, Archer's standout performances with the ball and in the field for Hobart helped him earn a lucrative deal in the IPL and put him on the fast-track for international cricket. The ECB recently tweaked their rules regarding international qualification, enhancing his chances of becoming eligible for them in time for next year's World Cup, which will be an interesting subplot this season.

Dwayne Bravo (Melbourne Stars)

His international career may be over, but Caribbean superstar Dwayne Bravo remains highly sought after in T20 leagues around the world. The allrounder has played in India, Canada, England, the Caribbean, the UAE and South Africa since his stint with the Renegades last season and has switched to the green half of Melbourne this summer. The most prolific wicket-taker in T20 history, a devastating batsman, dynamic in the field and pretty handy with a microphone as well, Bravo creates a buzz wherever he goes.

Usman Shinwari (Melbourne Renegades)

The name Usman Shinwari might not mean much to Australian cricket fans right now, but the Pakistani left-arm quick will be one to watch for the Renegades early in the tournament. The 24-year-old opening bowler has a staggering ODI bowling average of just 15.27, including a five-wicket haul in the space of just 21 deliveries against Sri Lanka last year, and will offer plenty of pace and bounce to the Renegades attack in the opening seven matches of the season.

The rest

Colin Ingram (Adelaide Strikers)

The South African big-hitter is back in Adelaide to lead the Strikers' title defence after another strong year on the world T20 circuit.

Tymal Mills (Hobart Hurricanes)

After a disappointing first season with Hobart, the English left-armer is back after a year playing T20 franchise cricket around the globe.

Mohammad Nabi (Melbourne Renegades)

The Afghan quickly became a favourite in Melbourne last season and looms as a key man with bat and ball again for the Renegades.

Harry Gurney (Melbourne Renegades)

A replacement player for the Renegades in the second half of the season, the left-arm quick has played 12 times for England and has strong links with 'Gades allrounder Dan Christian at Nottinghamshire in UK county cricket.

Sandeep Lamichhane (Melbourne Stars)

The first player from the emerging cricketing nation of Nepal to be signed by a BBL club, the teenage leg-spinner impressed in the IPL this year and will form an imposing spin duo with Adam Zampa at the Stars.

David Willey (Perth Scorchers)

Back again for the Scorchers, the England allrounder is a consistent performer and is hoping for a big tournament as he eyes the 2019 World Cup in the UK.

Usman Qadir (Perth Scorchers)

The Pakistani leg-spinner showed good signs for WA in the JLT One-Day Cup earlier this season and is pushing to represent Australia at the 2020 Twenty20 World Cup.

Joe Denly (Sydney Sixers)

The veteran allrounder forced his way back into England colours this year after a strong season at home and returns to Sydney to lead the way with bat and ball for the Sixers.

Tom Curran (Sydney Sixers)

Having impressed for England in Australia last summer, the right-arm quick adds plenty of firepower to the Sixers' attack in what will be his first BBL campaign.

Joe Root (Sydney Thunder)

Having been dropped from England's T20 side this year, the Test skipper has made no secret of his desire to become a more dynamic T20 batsman and that plan continues with his maiden BBL campaign.

Anton Devcich (Sydney Thunder)

The big-hitting Kiwi and handy spinner has made a career for himself as a T20 gun for hire and will be a handy addition for the Thunder in the second half of the season.

Chris Jordan (Sydney Thunder)

A gun with the ball, in the field and with the bat, the Englishman will play for the Thunder in the second half of the season having previously represented the Strikers.