BBL 2019-20 tournament preview, key players, Prediction: Who will win the ninth edition of Australia’s big event?

The ninth edition of the BBL is set to get underway on Tuesday, December 17. The tournament has come a long way. From a global perspective, it is perhaps not quite the most popular franchise T20 league out there – the IPL holds that crown, and even the CPL, with its branding of being the biggest party in the sport, comes second.

However, the BBL has carved out its own niche, and is a big part of the yearly line-up of T20 action. Unfortunately, there’s been a bit of negative publicity around it too – ever since the tournament expanded to involve 61 games every season, it’s been difficult to attract the top bracket of players with multiple commitments.

Andre Russell, perhaps the most wanted T20 player going around these days, even took a veiled dig at the BBL earlier this month, saying the BPL (Bangladesh Premier League) was more fun: “It is shorter (than the BBL). So less time away from home. I get a lot of love here. The hospitality and everything is amazing. You get a warm welcome on this side of the world. I never really think twice.”

Russell won’t be a part of this year’s BBL – the negotiations with Melbourne Renegades collapsed, and he hasn’t been a part of the league since 2015-16, when he played for Sydney Thunder. One of the world’s foremost players in the format shunning the league is certainly worrying for the tournament, but as far as this season is concerned, there is still more than enough stardust to go around: AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn, and Chris Jordan are among those that will be in action.

Alex Hales and Chris Morris will play the duration of the tournament for Sydney Thunder, and there is a thought that should be considered, that the disillusionment of one player shouldn’t be taken to mean the whole tournament has problems, given so many of the world’s big players are in action.

Ultimately, the attraction levels of a league will depend on the action on the field. And in that respect, the BBL should have little to worry this season.

Key players

Rashid Khan (Adelaide Strikers): The Afghanistan spin-whiz is key for Adelaide in their pursuit of getting back among the elite of the league. Adelaide finished the last season at No.7, having won the 2017-18 edition, and with some big players leaving the side since, the onus is on Rashid, as the marquee player, to lead the Strikers’ charge.

AB de Villiers (Brisbane Heat): The South African ace has been a T20 gun for hire since his international retirement, and it’s Brisbane Heat who will reap the rewards of that decision this season. De Villiers has shown no signs of slowing down, and a case can be made that he has improved since his workload has reduced. Brisbane, with de Villiers firing, can be unstoppable.

Dale Steyn (Melbourne Stars): Since retiring from Test cricket, Steyn has actively played T20 franchise cricket to build up his already-significant white-ball reputation. He was among the highest wicket-takers in the MSL last month, and though he will not be available for the whole tournament, expect Steyn to give the Stars a big boost. He’s a game-changer.

Chris Jordan (Perth Scorchers): Jordan is still something of an underrated T20 player. He is a superb death bowler, can add valuable runs lower down the order, and in a Perth side in flux, he is perhaps the one person capable of providing the all-important spark. He has the power to rescue the season for Perth, and is definitely one to watch out for.

Alex Hales (Sydney Thunder): Hales has an agenda. Since his exclusion from the England sides ahead of the World Cup due to alleged use of a banned substance, he is out to earn his way back in the squad ahead of the T20 World Cup next year. That makes him quite dangerous, and if Hales clicks, there will be plenty of runs this season for Thunder.

Prediction Brisbane Heat should complete the double (they won the WBBL as well). Melbourne Stars, Hobart Hurricanes, and Melbourne Renegades are expected to make it to the knockouts. Adelaide Strikers will likely have an improved season from last year, and given the knockout rounds have been expanded to include five teams, they should sneak through on 5th. Expect Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers, and Sydney Thunder to bring up the rear of the table.