Batsman Will Pucovski has joined the Melbourne Stars for the 2020-21 Big Bash League in Australia.
This is Pucovski's first BBL contract.
“I'm grateful to the Stars for giving me this opportunity to be involved in the BBL. It's always an exciting competition and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to expand my knowledge with senior players from around Australia and overseas,” said Pucovski.
The 22-year-old has previously been named in the Australian Test squad, but hasn't yet played. He is joining a franchise that have reached and lost three BBL finals.
“Will is an exceptional young talent who has been talked about at the highest levels for some time now,” said Stars head coach David Hussey.
“While he's spent the majority of his time so far in red-ball cricket, we know he wants to continue to grow his game in all formats and we look forward to supporting him this season.”
Stanlake Joins Stars, Too
The Stars, meanwhile, have gained fast bowler Billy Stanlake. He was previously with the Adelaide Strikers.
Stanlake and coach Hussey are with the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab, respectively, in the ongoing Indian Premier League.
BBL Stars in the IPL
Several other Australians, who will likely feature in the BBL 2020-21, are playing in this year's IPL.
Batsman David Warner is the captain of Hyderabad. Batsman Steven Smith is captain of the Rajasthan Royals. Batsman Aaron Finch is playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, who also have Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa.
All-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been key to the Delhi Capitals campaign. Stoinis was the leading run-scorer in the 2019-2020 BBL. He played for the Stars and was named player of the tournament.
Other T20 Tournaments Around the World
The BBL is a popular inclusion in the domestic T20 tournament calendar. It also includes the Bangladesh Premier League, Mzansi Super League in South Africa, T20 Blast in the United Kingdom, Caribbean Premier League, Super Smash in New Zealand and Pakistan Super League.
The 2020 PSL will be completed next month. The BPL and MSL have been postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic. The 2020 IPL and CPL were played without spectators, as a preventative measure against the spread of the pandemic.
