The 2025 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) Draft delivered a major surprise with England’s world-class spinner Sophie Ecclestone moving to the Adelaide Strikers, after the Sydney Sixers, who held the No. 1 pick, opted for her English compatriot Sophia Dunkley. This unexpected turn of events has set the stage for an intriguing WBBL season.
Sixers Prioritize Batting with Dunkley Pick
The Sydney Sixers, despite having had Sophie Ecclestone as a key player in previous seasons, made a strategic decision to address their top-order batting concerns. Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes admitted it was a “tough call” to let go of Ecclestone, widely considered the world’s best spinner. However, their struggles in the batting department, particularly with injuries to key players like Alyssa Healy and Erin Burns last season, led them to secure Sophia Dunkley with the first pick. Dunkley has been in excellent form in the shortest format for England, making her an attractive prospect to bolster the Sixers’ batting line-up.
Strikers Swiftly Secure Ecclestone
Following the Sixers’ decision, the Adelaide Strikers wasted no time in snapping up Sophie Ecclestone with the second pick in the draft. This is a significant coup for the Strikers, who now add one of the most impactful bowlers in women’s cricket to their squad. Ecclestone’s ability to control the middle overs and pick up crucial wickets will be invaluable for the Strikers as they aim for a strong campaign. She will be joining England international Tammy Beaumont, who also returns to the Strikers after seven years, further strengthening their international contingent.
Other Key Player Movements and Draft Highlights
The WBBL Draft saw several other significant movements and retentions:
- Brisbane Heat retained India’s Jemimah Rodrigues and added West Indies all-rounder Chinelle Henry and South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk.
- Hobart Hurricanes secured England’s Danni Wyatt-Hodge as a retention pick and also brought in Natalie Sciver-Brunt and Linsey Smith.
- Melbourne Renegades drafted West Indian power-hitter Deandra Dottin and dynamic English all-rounder Alice Capsey.
- Melbourne Stars strengthened their squad with England wicketkeeper Amy Jones, South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, and young English talent Dani Gibson.
- Perth Scorchers added firepower through New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, England’s Paige Scholfield, and South African Chloe Tryon.
- Sydney Thunder brought in Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu and South African speedster Shabnim Ismail, alongside England’s Heather Knight.
The draft showcased the growing global appeal of the WBBL, with a strong emphasis on strategic picks to balance team strengths and address previous season’s weaknesses. The shift of a marquee player like Sophie Ecclestone to a new team promises an exciting and highly competitive WBBL season ahead.
