The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) Draft for its 11th edition generated immense excitement as some of the world’s top female cricketers were picked by the eight franchises on Thursday, June 19. Featuring an impressive international lineup, the draft provided a glimpse into what promises to be a thrilling season of T20 cricket in Australia. Each team took strategic steps to bolster their squads, ensuring a competitive edge in the upcoming tournament.

Global icons find new homes ahead of WBBL|11

Cricket fans were treated to a series of headline moves as renowned stars like India’s RodrogueEngland’s Sophie EcclestoneSouth Africa’s Laura WolvesSri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, and New Zealand’s Sophie Devine were drafted into various teams. England’s Danni Wyatt also found herself in the mix. The variety of selections reflected the global appeal of the league and highlighted the growing talent pool in women’s cricket. While the announcements thrilled fans, the absence of one major name raised eyebrows.

Reason behind Hayley Matthews’ absence

West Indies captain and all-rounder Hayley Matthewsa central figure for Melbourne Renegades in previous seasons, was notably missing from the WBBL|11 player draft. The reason for her omission was later confirmed — Matthews is set to undergo shoulder surgery, rendering her unavailable for the entire season.

Matthews, who had recently sustained a shoulder injury during the first ODI of the West Indies’ tour of England, was expected to recover but has since experienced a delay in full fitness. Although she continued to participate in subsequent home series and is scheduled to feature in the Women’s CPL for Barbados Royals in September, she will undergo surgery around the time of the Women’s ODI World Cupa tournament West Indies failed to qualify for.

Her unavailability comes as a setback for the Melbourne Renegades, who had signed her as a pre-draft recruit on a two-year deal. The news of her withdrawal surfaced just hours before the draft, forcing the Renegades to reconsider their overseas player strategy.

This article was first published at WomenCricket.coma Read company.