The Big Bash League heads into its 15th season with anticipation at fever pitch as franchises recalibrate their squads in a compressed December–January window. With the Ashes wrapping up just before the BBL and several T20 World Cup hopefuls seeking form, this edition promises high-quality cricket, marquee overseas signings, and thrilling title races. Below is a detailed team-by-team guide ahead of the new season.
Hobart Hurricanes – Defending Champions
Captain: Nathan Ellis | Coach: Jeff Vaughan
After breaking a long-standing hoodoo, the Hurricanes return as defending champions, retaining a core squad that delivered last year’s title-winning campaign. Key additions Tim David, Jake Weatherald, and Beau Webster strengthen both batting depth and finishing power. Rising star Mitchell Owen, who blasted a century in last season’s final, will be central to their powerplay strategy and overall momentum.
Player to watch: Mitchell Owen – From relative obscurity to T20 international debutant, Owen’s explosive batting and allround capabilities make him the key X-factor for a Hurricanes back-to-back push.
Availability concerns: Weatherald and Webster may miss the early fixtures due to Ashes commitments, while English spinner Rehan Ahmed is recovering from a leg strain but is expected to be available later in the season. Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain joins post-Bangladesh Cricket Board clearance, boosting spin options.
Adelaide Strikers
Captain: Matt Short | Coach: Tim Paine
The Strikers aim to rebound after a disappointing last season, addressing weaknesses in both batting and death bowling. International recruits Hasan Ali and Luke Wood bring experience, while domestic prospects Jason Sangha and Mackenzie Harvey inject energy. Skipper Matt Short remains the linchpin, carrying the weight of expectation as he chases T20 World Cup selection.
Player to watch: Matt Short – A talismanic presence, his form will dictate Adelaide’s fortunes in the top order.
Availability issues: International commitments may limit Wood and Hasan Ali, while Jamie Overton could be selected for England’s Sri Lanka tour.
Melbourne Stars
Captain: Marcus Stoinis | Coach: Peter Moores
The Stars, yet to claim a BBL title, rely on continuity and class. Veterans Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Hilton Cartwright anchor the batting, while Mitchell Swepson and Liam Hatcher bolster the bowling lineup. Steketee’s injury may test their pace depth, but the Stars’ experience in pressure games keeps them competitive.
Player to watch: Glenn Maxwell – Even at the twilight of his career, Maxwell can single-handedly tilt matches with his batting exploits.
Availability issues: Haris Rauf and Scott Boland may be restricted by international schedules.
Melbourne Renegades
Captain: Will Sutherland | Coach: Cameron White
A team in transition, the Renegades have strengthened batting through Mohammad Rizwan and bolstered pace with Jason Behrendorff and Brendan Doggett. Young talent Jake Fraser-McGurk must convert promise into consistency to elevate the team’s title prospects.
Player to watch: Jake Fraser-McGurk – A match-winner with a scintillating strike rate, his form will determine the Renegades’ ceiling.
Availability issues: Overseas stars Rizwan and Seifert could miss portions due to national commitments; Lyon and Doggett join post-Ashes.
BBL 15 squad:
Jason Behrendorff, Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Brendan Doggett, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Caleb Jewell, Hassan Khan, Nathan Lyon, Fergus O’Neill, Oliver Peake, Muhammad Rizwan, Tom Rogers, Will Salzmann, Gurinder Sandhu, Tim Seifert, Callum Stow, Will Sutherland, Adam Zampa. Replacement players: Andrew Tye, Matthew Spoors
Sydney Sixers
Captain: Moises Henriques | Coach: Greg Shipperd
Sixers’ headline signing Babar Azam brings world-class T20 firepower to the top order, complemented by the allround skills of Sam Curran. Experienced campaigners like Kane Richardson strengthen death bowling, making the Sixers formidable across disciplines.
Player to watch: Babar Azam – His first BBL season is one of the most anticipated international debuts in the competition’s history.
Availability issues: Ashes and Pakistan tours could limit early-season contributions from Smith, Starc, and Abbott.
BBL 15 squad:
Sean Abbott, Babar Azam, Jafer Chohan, Sam Curran, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Ben Manenti, Todd Murphy, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Kane Richardson, Lachlan Shaw, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith. Marquee supplementary list: Mitchell Starc. Replacement players: Harjas Singh, Charlie Stobo.
Sydney Thunder
Captain: David Warner | Coach: Trevor Bayliss
Despite losing marquee signing R Ashwin to injury, Thunder maintain a balanced squad with depth in pace and spin. Sam Konstas is poised for a breakout season, while Warner leads from the front.
Player to watch: Sam Konstas – A promising domestic talent, his full-season exposure could redefine his T20 trajectory.
Availability issues: Overseas inclusions like Topley and Ferguson will rotate due to overlapping leagues.
Brisbane Heat
Captain: Usman Khawaja | Coach: Johan Botha
After a dismal title defense, the Heat have revamped with Shaheen Shah Afridi, bolstering their already strong pace attack. Matt Renshaw remains the batting cornerstone, while Michael Neser and Xavier Bartlett provide domestic consistency.
Player to watch: Matt Renshaw – A blend of power and technique, Renshaw anchors the innings and guides the team through high-pressure chases.
Availability issues: Afridi could miss matches during Pakistan’s T20I series; Test stars Khawaja and Labuschagne join post-Ashes.
BBL 15 squad:
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tom Alsop, Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Lachlan Hearne, Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan McSweeney, Colin Munro, Michael Neser, Oli Patterson, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Callum Vidler, Hugh Weibgen, Jack Wildermuth. Replacement players: Paddy Dooley, Liam Haskett
Perth Scorchers
Captain: Ashton Turner | Coach: Adam Voges
Scorchers continue their blueprint of continuity, blending youth with returning veterans like Mitchell Marsh, Laurie Evans, and David Payne. The top-order duo of Marsh and Finn Allen promises fireworks, while the pace battery keeps opposition on the back foot.
Player to watch: Mitchell Marsh – Returning from international duty, Marsh is central to Scorchers’ batting ambitions and T20 World Cup preparation.
Availability issues: Key internationals including Josh Inglis and Allen may miss early games; Richardson is set to return mid-season from injury.
BBL 15 squad:
Ashton Agar, Finn Allen, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Brody Couch, Laurie Evans, Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Bryce Jackson, Matthew Kelly, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Joel Paris, David Payne, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner. Replacement player: Joel Curtis
BBL15 promises intense rivalries, international flair, and breakout talent, with the Hurricanes aiming to defend their crown amid stiff competition from experienced challengers like Stars, Sixers, and Scorchers. International windows and Ashes fallout will shape early results, but the compressed schedule ensures every match counts. Fans can expect explosive batting, high-quality pace and spin, and strategic T20 cricket at its finest.
