The 13th season of the Big Bash League (2023-24) is all set to kick off on December 7 with a clash between Heat and Stars. Occurring during a 48-day window, the finale of the much-anticipated Big Bash League 2023-24 is formally scheduled on January 24. The exact eight renowned franchises will continue to feature in the approaching BBL edition, with Ashton Turner-led Perth Scorchers being the defending champions.

Earlier this week, Cricket Australia took the astounding decision to shorten the approaching Big Bash League seasons. As per the new development, a total of 44 fixtures will transpire in the 2023-24 edition of the BBL which includes playoff affairs. It is a massive reduction in the number of games in the premier T20 league which comprised 60 games in its last season.

No Mohammad Rizwan And Nicholas Pooran In Big Bash league 2023-24

Meanwhile, the likes of Mohammad Rizwan and Nicholas Pooran withdrawing from the upcoming Big Bash league 2023-24 draft emerges as an astounding update. As confirmed earlier, Rizwan was all geared up to mark his maiden appearance in the Big Bash League. However, an away Test series against Australia in December-January turned out to be a major reason behind the Pakistan wicketkeeper’s decision to pull out. 

Elite West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran opting out of the marquee event rather came as a surprise. Pooran featured for Melbourne Stars in the 2021-22 BBL season and boasts impressive numbers in the exact Australia-based league. The Big Bash League will certainly miss the services of elite Pooran this time around. 

“A shortened BBL will allow us greater flexibility to ensure we can deliver the best possible fixture for clubs and fans. We can do that while providing a platform that allows players to continue to produce the world-class levels of cricket we have seen over the duration of the tournament.” BBL general manager Alistair Dobson had said. 

Moreover, the 2023-24 BBL draft for overseas players will occur this Sunday (September 3) and the event will see the participation of 376 players. Multiple renowned International campaigners including Rashid Khan and Harry Brook will feature in Sunday night’s event. The list includes the likes of England’s Alex Hales and Pakistan’s Shadab Khan as well.