Australia’s premier pace trio—Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood—have been signed as supplementary players for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) Season 14. While Cummins will join Sydney Thunder, Starc and Hazlewood will represent their longtime team, the Sydney Sixers.
The franchises confirmed the signings on Thursday, December 12. Due to their packed international schedules, the trio’s on-field participation in BBL 14 is expected to be minimal. However, they will contribute off-field whenever their commitments allow.
Cummins, a former Thunder player from BBL seasons 5 to 9, expressed his excitement about returning to the team. Starc and Hazlewood, both integral to the Sixers since the league’s inception, were part of the squad that won the inaugural BBL title alongside Cummins.
Pat Cummins on Rejoining the Thunder
Cummins shared his pride in being part of the Thunder and praised the current squad’s potential:
“As a Western Sydney guy at heart, I’m really proud to be a part of the team this summer. While international duties mean I can’t be around as much as I’d like, I’m excited to have a voice and fully back the guys throughout the season,” said Cummins.
He highlighted key players like Sam Billings, with whom he shares a Western Sydney connection, and David Warner, who is set for a full BBL season:
“Having Davey Warner locked in for a full season is huge for us. It’s great to see the balance in the team, with so many leaders stepping up alongside the talented youth coming through. This squad is shaping up to be something special, and it’s set to be an unreal season of Big Bash cricket. A big thank you to our fans – I can’t wait to see you out at a game during the season,” he added.
Pakistan PM Weighs In on ICC Champions Trophy Row, Backs PCB
BBL 14 Kickoff
The Sydney Sixers will start their campaign on December 16 against the Melbourne Renegades, while the Sydney Thunder will face the Adelaide Strikers the following day. Meanwhile, Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood remain busy with their international commitments, including the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India.