BBL 15: Top 10 players to watch out for in upcoming Big Bash League season

Many top stars will be seen in action in BBL 15.

The 15th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) is about to begin. The upcoming season is set to start on December 14 and will conclude on January 25, 2026. Over the past 14 seasons, the league has delivered countless incredible performances, unforgettable moments, and intense finishes.

With 8 teams competing, and 7 of them having already lifted the trophy, the BBL continues to showcase its highly competitive and unpredictable nature. Every season brings new heroes, rivalries, and fresh storylines that keep fans engaged throughout the summer.

As the new season approaches, teams have strengthened their squads, young talents are ready to shine, and experienced stars are preparing to dominate once again. On that note, let’s take a look at the top 10 players to watch out for in BBL 15.

Players to watch in BBL 15-

10. Babar Azam

The Pakistani star batter Babar Azam is set to play his first-ever Big Bash League, and the excitement around his debut is huge. He was directly signed by the Sydney Sixers, who confirmed the move in June and described his contract as one of the biggest in BBL history.

Babar will be available for the entire season, including the finals, which is a major boost for the Sixers. His arrival has already generated massive fan engagement, particularly with strong support anticipated from Pakistani fans.

Known for his class, Babar’s performance will be crucial for the Sixers’ campaign, making him one of the biggest players to watch in BBL 15.

9. Adam Zampa

Adam Zampa is Australia’s premier white-ball spinner, and his presence will be a major boost for the Melbourne Renegades. In the previous BBL season, he picked up 12 wickets in just 10 matches, showcasing his consistency.

Across T20s, Zampa has taken over 360 wickets with an impressive average of around 22 and an economy of 7.5, making him one of the most reliable spinners in the format. His experience, accuracy, and ability to perform under pressure will be crucial for the Renegades’ campaign this season.

8. Shaheen Shah Afridi

Brisbane Heat had the first pick in the draft, and they used it to secure one of the biggest names available in Pakistan’s star fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The Heat will rely heavily on Shaheen this season, especially because their other quick, Spencer Johnson, has suffered a season-ending injury, and Michael Neser is unavailable due to national duties in the Ashes.

Afridi has taken 126 wickets in T20Is with an economy of under 8, showcasing his world-class ability with the new ball and at the death. His pace, swing, and big-match temperament will be crucial for the Brisbane Heat’s campaign, and he is expected to lead the bowling attack from the front.

7. Tom Rogers

Tom Rogers had an outstanding season in the last BBL. He picked up 16 wickets in 10 games, with an average under 20 and an economy of 8.42. He finished second on the list of top wicket-takers, just behind Jason Behrendorff.

This year, Behrendorff has also joined the Melbourne Renegades, and together, the duo is expected to form a strong and reliable pace attack for the Renegades. Their partnership with the ball could play a major role in shaping the team’s success this season.

6. Cooper Connolly

Cooper Connolly has been regarded as a future Australian star since his teenage years, and his all-round ability is a major asset for the Perth Scorchers. In BBL 14, he scored 351 runs in 10 games, averaging over 50 with a strike rate of 131.

With the ball, he also chipped in with 6 wickets, showcasing his value as a handy left-arm spinner. A reliable left-hand batter and a useful bowler, Connolly will once again be an important player for the Scorchers this season.

5. Jason Behrendorff

The Melbourne Renegades secured Jason Behrendorff from the Perth Scorchers during the Player Movement Window. He was the standout bowler last season, finishing with 17 wickets in 10 games at an impressive average of 17.41 and an economy of 7.55.

Across his T20 career, he has collected more than 213 wickets with an economy of 7.59, making him a genuine strike weapon for the Renegades this season. His inclusion adds both experience and reliability to their pace attack.

4. Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell surprised everyone by withdrawing from the IPL auction, leaving many of his Indian fans disappointed, but he will be in action this summer in the Big Bash League. Last season, he scored 325 runs in just 9 innings, averaging over 54 with a remarkable strike rate of 186.78.

Across 488 T20 games, he has accumulated more than 10,000 runs and taken 194 wickets, showcasing his all-round brilliance. His vast experience and match-winning ability will be crucial for the Melbourne Stars as they continue their hunt for a first BBL title.

3. David Warner

David Warner may have retired from international cricket, but he is set to feature in yet another full season of BBL 15. Last season, he was in outstanding touch, scoring 405 runs at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 141, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer, just behind Mitchell Owen.

Returning in Sydney Thunder colours, Warner’s experience and aggressive batting will once again be vital to their campaign. His presence at the top not only boosts the batting lineup but also brings invaluable leadership to a young Thunder side.

2. Tim David

Tim David is in red-hot form and has been featuring in leagues all around the world. He recently won the Abu Dhabi T10 League with an incredible performance throughout the tournament.

In the last BBL season, he scored 254 runs in 9 innings at a strike rate of 177, playing a major role in the success of the Hobart Hurricanes.

The team went on to win the trophy, and David will return to the Hurricanes jersey this season as well. His power-hitting and ability to finish games in the death overs will once again be crucial for his side.

With his confidence at an all-time high, he is expected to take on an even bigger role this season. Fans will be eager to see if he can replicate his global form in BBL 15.

1. Mitchell Owen

Mitchell Owen was the talk of the tournament in BBL 14. He scored 452 runs, finishing as the leading run-scorer of the season with an incredible strike rate of 203.

His unforgettable knock in the final against the Sydney Thunder, a thunderous 108*(42) while chasing 182 in just 14.1 overs, will be remembered for years.

He returns in Hurricanes colours once again, ready to lead from the front as they look to defend their title. With his confidence at an all-time high and his ability improving every season, Owen is set to be one of the biggest threats in BBL 15.

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