Australia’s premier fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood have been added to the supplementary lists for Big Bash League 14 (BBL14), a move that keeps the door open for a potential return to one of the best T20 competitions. The Sydney Sixers have signed Starc and Hazlewood, while Cummins remains on the Sydney Thunder’s auxiliary list under the league’s marquee supplementary player rule.
What about WTC Final Qualification?
However, despite their inclusion, it remains highly unlikely that these key national players will actually participate in BBL 14. With Australia’s packed international schedule, including seven crucial Test matches—5 against India and 2 against Sri Lanka—the fast bowlers’ priorities lie firmly with the national team. The Test series against India, currently tied at 1-1, and the subsequent tour of Sri Lanka are critical for Australia’s World Test Championship (WTC) final qualification.
The potential participation of these players could theoretically compromise Australia’s WTC chances. However, the timing makes their involvement in BBL 14 almost impossible. The tournament is set to conclude on January 27, while Australia’s final Test matches end on February 6. However, there is a three-week window between the ongoing BGT Test series and the away tour to Sri Lanka. Hence, all three of Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins could well represent their BBL teams in this period.
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Importance of Cummins, Starc & Hazlewood in BBL
Each Big Bash club is allowed two marquee supplementary list spots, enabling them to sign Cricket Australia-contracted players with limited availability. For the Sixers, this means maintaining a connection with long-time members Starc and Hazlewood, who were both inaugural club members. Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes emphasised the importance of keeping these players connected to the club, describing them as part of the “Sixers family.” “Mitch and Josh are both foundation members of our club and have been a part of the Sixers for a long time, so any opportunity for us to engage them throughout the season is a win for our club and a win for our fans,” said Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes.
“Both of the guys have great relationships with (coach) Greg (Shipperd) and the playing group and having them involved in any capacity will always be a boost for our group. Mitch and Josh have been a part of the fabric of our club, and we’re excited for them to be back as part of the Sixers family this summer.”
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