Australia’s Big Bash League has introduced several changes, including removing the requirement for teams to sign overseas players for the next two seasons of the men’s and women’s competitions.
Under the previous rules, BBL teams were required to have at least two or three overseas players on their rosters. The new changes will also remove the requirement for one overseas player to be selected in the Gold or Platinum category.
Players in the Gold category previously received up to $300,000, while Platinum players could earn up to $420,000.
The BBL will also scrap its draft system and introduce an open-market model for overseas player recruitment. Cricket Australia is expected to open a contract window for clubs under the new system.
Officials said removing the mandatory overseas-player requirement could provide greater financial opportunities for local Australian players. Under the previous rules, the combined salary cap for a club’s top six marquee players was set at $1.7 million.
From next season, the marquee player category will be reduced from six to four players. Officials said the change would allow the league’s top performers to earn more, regardless of their nationality.