Allrounder Tom Curran has inked a two-year contract with the Melbourne Stars for the Big Bash League (BBL), committing to participate throughout the entire tournament. Concurrently, Chris Jordan will rejoin the Hobart Hurricanes.
Curran, who previously played four seasons with the Sydney Sixers, encountered controversy during the 2023-24 season. He was suspended for four matches for intimidating an umpire, and later sidelined by a knee injury. Over 36 BBL matches, Curran has taken 51 wickets at an average of 19.76 with an economy rate of 8.25, and has scored 359 runs at a strike rate of 143.60.
Curran's signing is under the BBL's new multi-year contract provision, which allows clubs to sign one overseas player before the draft. Under this agreement, players must stay for the entire tournament, including the finals, starting from the 2025-26 season. However, Curran will adhere to this commitment for both years of his contract.
Chris Jordan, who took a hat-trick against the USA to secure England's spot in the T20 World Cup semi-finals, returns to the Hurricanes after claiming nine wickets in 10 matches during the 2023-24 season, along with hitting a 17-ball fifty.
Salliann Beams, the Hurricanes' list manager and high-performance general manager, stated that bringing back Jordan was their top priority under the multi-year overseas contract. She noted his experience and professionalism, emphasising his balance to the bowling unit and his role in the lower order when necessary.
Sam Billings was the first player to sign a multi-year deal in the BBL, joining the Sydney Thunder.
In an interview with the Stars, Curran revealed that Glenn Maxwell played a significant role in convincing him to join the team while they were together at Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. Curran expressed excitement about playing at the MCG and contributing to the team's success without having to bowl to Maxwell and Stoinis.
Stars will need a new captain for the upcoming season as Maxwell has stepped down following the previous campaign, where the Stars finished sixth. Marcus Stoinis has expressed interest in taking on the captaincy role.
The Stars hold the first pick in the overseas draft, scheduled to take place in early September.