Afghan spinner Rashid Khan has been confirmed in the new BBL 12 draft for overseas players. Meanwhile, he will be joined by former West Indies captain Kieron Pollard who leads the way in overall T20 appearances.
Image - CA
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As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Pollard is among a sizeable contingent of West Indies names in the latest group of players to sign up for the draft. He is joined by the all-time T20 wicket-taker Dwayne Bravo. Rashid is one of the household names of the BBL, having spent five seasons with Adelaide Strikers.
When players nominate for the draft they need to state their availability. However, it is yet to be confirmed whether Rashid will be free for the whole tournament. Team Afghanistan is expected to have some internationals later in January.
Rashid left last year's edition early due to Afghanistan commitments. He had signed off from the competition with an extraordinary career-best of 6 for 17 against Brisbane Heat.
Other Afghanistan players, including fellow legspinner Qais Ahmad who will also be eligible for retention by Melbourne Stars, are included in the draft. New Zealand batter Colin Munro, who was part of Perth Scorchers' title-winning side last season, has also been nominated.
Pollard will join his teammate DJ Bravo in BBL 12
Pollard, who has played 598 T20 matches, and Bravo, who has claimed 596 wickets, have previously played in the BBL but not last season. Both have retired from international cricket so will not be part of the Men's T20 World Cup in Australia. Andre Russell, who made five appearances for Stars last season, is understood not to be among the latest nominees.
Faf du Plessis was among the first group of players confirmed for the draft which will be held in mid-August. Players nominate themselves in either Gold, Silver, or Bronze categories while there is an additional Platinum level where CA will place the biggest names.
All Current Draft Nominations
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Afghanistan
Rashid Khan, Qais Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Waqarullah Ishaq, Izharulhaq Naveed, Naveen Ul Haq Murid, Hazratullah Zazai.
New Zealand
Colin Munro, Todd Astle.
South Africa
Faf du Plessis, Marchant de Lange, Rilee Rossouw, David Wiese (also Namibia).
West Indies
Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Sheldon Cottrell, Chemar Holder, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Ravi Rampaul, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair, Tion Webster, Nyeem Young.