5 Big Bash League player signings fans are excited about
Australia’s much loved and extremely popular T20 competition – KFC Big Bash League is back again. The tournament, which is scheduled to start on the 20th of December, promises a lot of entertainment, glamour, and nail-biting encounters.
T20 superstars from all over the world will fight it out to win the glorious trophy for their respective teams. The defending champions – Sydney Thunder, led by Shane Watson will be looking to lift the trophy for the second consecutive time.
The league permits players to represent franchises they prefer by signing contracts which are much more flexible and efficient.
Players can shift to a different franchise at the end of the season by negotiating the time period and incentives offered. There have been several new signings in the 2016-17 season of the Big Bash League.
We take a look at 5 such interesting signings:
#1 Brad Hogg – Melbourne Renegades
Cricketers like Brad Hogg and Pravin Tambe are nothing short of an inspiration to the current generation, and they send a message that age is no barrier if you are determined to achieve something. Both the cricketers have been performing exceptionally well in T20 leagues like the IPL and the Big Bash even at the age of 45.
Brad Hogg, who is the second highest wicket-taker overall in the Big Bash with 46 wickets decided to represent the Melbourne Renegades in the 2016-17 season. This decision saddened Scorchers coach Justin Langer immensely which was evident from his comments: "Very disappointing, I know [where he's going], but I can't tell you where he's going. But he's leaving the Scorchers. I'm really disappointed about that. What can I say? I'm personally disappointed, professionally disappointed, but it's his decision and life goes on.
"In my opinion, he's made a wrong decision, that's okay, that's not my business. But I can go to bed at night knowing we offered him more money than we offered him last year, we think we've had as good deal with him for the last few years and it could have been a real win-win situation for him and us.
"But we wish him the best, we've been friends since we went to school together. I think he's been brilliant for the Scorchers. I think on and off the field he is fantastic, he's a good friend of mine but it's disappointing."
Brad Hogg is the leading wicket taker of the Perth Scorchers and it will be tough for any player to replicate his impact. Hogg is a great addition to the Melbourne Renegades side and brings vast experience and wicket taking abilities. His economy rate is just above 6, which indicates how efficient his bowling performances have been in the past.
The squad already boasts of quality spinners like Sunil Narine and Xavier Doherty, Hogg’s presence further strengthens the bowling department.