2024 Women’s Big Bash League Overseas Draft: Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin Shine for Melbourne Renegades

The 2024 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) overseas draft saw West Indies stars Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin taking centre stage as they secured platinum-round picks for Melbourne Renegades, highlighting their status as two of the most coveted talents in women’s cricket.

Dottin, who recently made headlines by reversing her international retirement, was snapped up by the Renegades in the platinum category. This move signals a significant return for the 33-year-old, who is set to play a key role in the upcoming T20 World Cup for the West Indies. Her power-hitting prowess and match-winning capabilities make her a prime asset for the Renegades, who have bolstered their squad with this high-impact signing.

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews was also allocated the platinum category by the Renegades, although she was technically their second-round pick. Matthews, who is the world number one all-rounder in women’s T20 cricket, had already been pre-signed by the Renegades, underscoring their intent to build a squad capable of challenging for the title. With her ability to dominate with both bat and ball, the Barbadian right-hander is expected to play a pivotal role in the Renegades’ campaign.

The draft also saw Indian stars Jemimah Rodrigues and Sharma being selected in the platinum round. Rodrigues reunited with her Delhi Capitals and Trinbago Knight Riders teammate, Jess Jonassen, after being picked first by Brisbane Heat, while Sharma was the top pick for Melbourne Stars.

Hobart Hurricanes, holding the first pick, drafted England’s Danni Wyatt after retention picks saw Sophie Ecclestone, Heather Knight, and Laura Wolvaardt stay with their respective franchises.

In other notable moves, the Melbourne Stars selected wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia, while Hobart Hurricanes drafted D Hemalatha, capitalising on her familiarity with Beth Mooney at Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

The tournament gets underway on October 26, with the Renegades playing on October 27 against Sydney Sixers.

WBBL Draft Selections: Team-by-Team Overview

Hobart Hurricanes: Danni Wyatt (Platinum), Chloe Tryon (Gold), Lizelle Lee (Retained, Gold)

Sydney Sixers: Sophie Ecclestone (Retained, Platinum), Amelia Kerr (Pre-signed, Platinum), Hollie Armitage (Bronze)

Melbourne Renegades: Deandra Dottin (Platinum), Hayley Matthews (Pre-signed, Platinum), Alice Capsey (Gold)

Melbourne Stars: Deepti Sharma (Platinum), Marizanne Kapp (Pre-signed, Platinum), Yastika Bhatia (Silver)

Sydney Thunder: Heather Knight (Retained, Platinum), Shabnim Ismail (Platinum), Chamari Athapaththu (Pre-signed, Gold), Georgia Adams (Bronze)

Adelaide Strikers: Laura Wolvaardt (Retained, Platinum), Smriti Mandhana (Pre-signed, Silver), Orla Prendergast (Bronze)

Brisbane Heat: Jemimah Rodrigues (Platinum), Shikha Pandey (Gold), Nadine de Klerk (Bronze)

Perth Scorchers: Sophie Devine (Pre-signed, Platinum), Amy Jones (Gold), D Hemalatha (Silver)