Usama Mir joins Melbourne Stars as only Pakistan player selected in BBL 2024 draft

The drafts for Australia’s 2024 Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) have concluded, with a notable highlight being the selection of just one Pakistan player.

Leg-spinner Usama Mir was chosen by Melbourne Stars in the third round, making him the sole representative from Pakistan in this season's BBL.

Despite 69 men and 11 women cricketers from Pakistan being nominated, no female cricketers were picked. The leg-spinner, who had previously played for the Stars, will continue with the team in the upcoming season.

The limited selection of Pakistani players is attributed to national team commitments and uncertainties surrounding their No Objection Certificates (NOCs), leading league organizers to favor players who can commit to the entire season without such complications.

British cricketer Jafer Chohan, who holds Pakistani heritage, was selected by Sydney Sixers.

The BBL, which runs from December 15, 2023, to January 27, 2024, saw a significant demand for England players, with 14 of them chosen across the four draft rounds.

First-round picks in BBL draft: Ben Duckett - Melbourne Stars, James Vince - Sydney Sixers (Retention), Laurie Evans - Melbourne Renegades, Lockie Ferguson - Sydney Thunder, Shai Hope - Hobart Hurricanes, Jamie Overton - Adelaide Strikers (Retention), Colin Munro - Brisbane Heat (pre-signed player), Finn Allen - Perth Scorchers (pre-signed player)

Second-round picks: Tom Curran - Melbourne Stars (pre-signed player), Jacob Bethell - Melbourne Renegades, Ollie Pope - Adelaide Strikers (pre-signed player), Hobart Hurricanes - Chris Jordan (pre-signed player), Sam Billings - Sydney Thunder (pre-signed player), Paul Walter - Brisbane Heat, Passed - Perth Scorchers, Akeal Hosein - Sydney Sixers (pre-signed player)

Third-round picks: Passed - Sydney Sixers, Matthew Hurst - Perth Scorchers, Passed - Brisbane Heat, Fabian Allen - Adelaide Strikers, Passed - Hobart Hurricanes, Sherfane Rutherford - Sydney Thunder, Tim Seifert - Melbourne Renegades (pre-signed player), Usama Mir - Melbourne Stars

Fourth-round picks: Passed - Melbourne Stars, Passed - Melbourne Renegades, Passed - Sydney Thunder, Rishad Hossain - Hobart Hurricanes, Passed - Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat - Tom Alsop, Keaton Jennings - Perth Scorchers, Jafer Chohan - Sydney Sixers