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Updated BBL|06 squads for each club

Expect to see a flurry of signings between now and the beginning of the BBL|06 season

Now the KFC Big Bash League summer schedule has been confirmed clubs will be busy finalising their playing squads for the tournament beginning in December.

By July 1 each club needed a minimum of 10 players on their books. Clubs must then have their 18-player squad completed, including a maximum of two overseas players as well as their community and development rookies, finalised by December 2.

Quick Single: Big Bash League schedule released

The first trade window in February saw no player movement but a second window will be open between November 14 and 18.

Expect to see plenty of signings between now and then as clubs look to use their $1.4m salary cap (up from $1.3m in BBL|05) wisely.

As it stands, here are the squads for each club:

Adelaide Strikers

The Adelaide Strikers are relishing the thought of welcoming back a rejuvenated Kieron Pollard for this summer's BBL, as they look to improve on their back-to-back semi-final appearances.

The West Indies allrounder, who signed a three-year deal with the Strikers in October 2014, was ruled out of BBL|05 after injuring his knee playing in South Africa's domestic Twenty20 competition last November.

Rashid's remarkable regular season

The explosive batsman's return will be particularly welcome following the departure of middle-order batsman Alex Ross to the Brisbane Heat.

After missing the Windies' World T20 campaign as he continued his recovery, Pollard has returned to form with a bang for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, striking a 21-ball fifty against Kolkata Knight Riders earlier this month.

Adelaide's second import for BBL|06 is less clear. England spinner Adil Rashid is contracted for another season and last season's leading wicket-taker would be given a warm reception back at the Adelaide Oval.

But his availability for the Strikers could be severely curtailed by international duty next summer with England touring India over the Christmas period with Rashid highly likely to feature.

In: TBA

Out: Alex Ross (Heat)

Retained: Travis Head, Brad Hodge, Jon Holland, Hamish Kingston, Tim Ludeman, Kieron Pollard (OS), Adil Rashid (OS, pending availability), Kane Richardson, Craig Simmons, Kelvin Smith, Billy Stanlake.

Off-contract players: Jonathon Dean, Mahela Jayawardena (OS), Alex Keath, Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Gary Putland

Brisbane Heat

World No.1 ranked Twenty20 international bowler Samuel Badree will again be spinning his web at the Gabba this summer, after Heat coach Daniel Vettori confirmed the West Indies leg-spinner has re-signed for the upcoming KFC Big Bash League season.

Badree will join former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum as Brisbane’s two international imports for BBL|06.

Chris Lynn hits FIVE sixes in a row

While Badree didn't pick up a wicket until his fourth game in the teal in BBL|05, he made up for lost time, soaring to the top of the BBL Official Player Rankings with a series of good performances including a match-winning 5-22 against the Melbourne Stars at the MCG.

He followed it up with a strong World T20 campaign, taking nine wickets including 3-12 against Sri Lanka and 2-16 against England in the final.

The Heat have also signed exciting young South Australia batsman Alex Ross from the Strikers.

In: Alex Ross (Strikers)

Out: Lendl Simmons (OS)

Retained: Samuel Badree (OS) Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Alex Doolan, Andrew Fekete, Luke Feldman, Jason Floros, Sam Heazlett, Josh Lalor, Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum (OS), James Peirson, Nathan Reardon, Alex Ross, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Jack Wildermuth.

Off-contract players: Nicholas Buchanan, Peter Forrest, James Hopes

Hobart Hurricanes

The Hurricanes welcome back Kumar Sangakkara for a second season this summer, while their second international spot is currently available with West Indian Darren Sammy out of contract.

It's been reported the Hurricanes are one of several clubs keen to lure West Indian Carlos Brathwaite. Brathwaite won a legion of new fans with his powerful hitting and exuberant celebrations during his debut Test series in Australia last summer, providing a rare high point in a disappointing campaign for the tourists.

Those performances alone would have tweaked the interest of BBL clubs, but his match-winning effort in the World T20 final last month - and $886,100 price tag he earned in the Indian Premier League auction - has made him one of the most sought-after players in the world.

"We made contact with him before the World Cup, so disappointed that he put himself up in lights actually," Hurricanes general manager Michael Roberts told News Corp, tongue in cheek.

"There’s a fair bit of interest in him now, not just in Big Bash but world cricket. The ball is in his court now. We’re waiting for him to come back with further discussions.

"You need these internationals to come in and really embrace what Big Bash is about without the ego ... from what I’ve heard about Carlos, he’s the perfect Big Bash model player."

The Hurricanes have bid farwell to rising paceman Joe Mennie, who as signed with the Sydney Sixers.

Ins: TBA

Outs: Joe Mennie (Sixers)

Retained: George Bailey, Cameron Boyce, Dan Christian, Ben Dunk, Ben McDermott, Dominic Michael, Simon Milenko, Tim Paine, Sam Rainbird, Jake Reed, Clive Rose, Kumar Sangakkara (OS), Shaun Tait, Jonathan Wells.

Off-contract players: Michael Hill, Darren Sammy (OS), Timm van der Gugten, Beau Webster

Melbourne Renegades

The Melbourne Renegades have signed one of the most iconic players in the BBL, luring veteran spinner Brad Hogg from the Perth Scorchers.

Melbourne Renegades recruit Brad Hogg says a suggestion from Justin Langer that he should retire on a high note and a desire to create opportunities for young spinners were the major reasons behind his decision to leave the Perth Scorchers.

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The Renegades have also re-signed West Indies star Dwayne Bravo for BBL|06, while captain Aaron Finch has signed a new long-term deal, committing to the Renegades for the next three years.

The Renegades have one international spot remaining, after confirming they will not re-sign controversial West Indian Chris Gayle.

Marcus Harris has also come across from the Scorchers, while the Renegades are on the hunt for a new coach after David Saker was appointed an Australian assistant coach.

Ins: Brad Hogg (Perth), Marcus Harris (Perth)

Outs: Chris Gayle (uncontracted)

Retained: Dwayne Bravo (OS), Tom Cooper, Xavier Doherty, Callum Ferguson, Aaron Finch, James Pattinson, Nathan Rimmington, Peter Siddle, Chris Tremain, Matthew Wade, Cameron White, Nick Winter.

Off-contract players: Tom Beaton, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Nevill, Matthew Short, Guy Walker

Melbourne Stars

With the most stable list in the competition, there's been little news out of the MCG-based club so far this off-season, but they have confirmed David Hussey will carry on as Stars skipper next season.

The 39-year-old says he has unfinished business, after losing last year's final to the Sydney Thunder.

"I had a ball last year, a breath of fresh air, it felt like a new squad and I think (coach) Steve Fleming’s brought a nice relaxed atmosphere and environment to the group," Hussey said.

"I thought maybe there was a little bit of unfinished business losing in the grand final, hopefully we can go one step further this season."

Dan Worrall has also re-signed. 

KP's MCG Masterclass

Ins: None

Outs: None

Retained: Michael Beer, Scott Boland, James Faulkner, Sebastian Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, John Hastings, Ben Hilfenhaus, David Hussey, Glenn Maxwell, Kevin Pietersen (OS), Robert Quiney, Marcus Stoinis, Tom Triffitt, Dan Worrall, Luke Wright (OS), Adam Zampa.

Off-contract players: None


Perth Scorchers

It's official – Mitchell Johnson will play in the next BBL season after his signature was confirmed by the Perth Scorchers.

Johnson had long been hinting he was leaning towards a return to Australian domestic cricket but the confirmation of his signing adds a new level of excitement.

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Johnson, who lives in Perth, said the Scorchers were the only team he was interested in, despite being heavily recruited by the Brisbane Heat, who Johnson had been signed to for several seasons at the peak of his powers but never played for amidst his international commitments.

But the Scorchers will be without iconic spinner Brad Hogg.

Perth Scorchers coach Justin Langer dropped a bombshell when he revealed Hogg had chosen to leave the club.

Hogg has told the Scorchers he's leaving, having taken up a deal with the Melbourne Renegades.

Ins: Mitchell Johnson

Outs: Brad Hogg (Renegades), Marcus Harris (Renegades)

Retained:  Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Michael Klinger, James Muirhead, Joel Paris, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Sam Whiteman

Off-contract players: Michael Carberry (OS), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Marcus Harris, Brad Hogg, Simon Mackin, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Adam Voges, David Willey (OS)

Sydney Sixers

The Sydney Sixers have secured the services of boom fast bowler Joe Mennie for this summer’s BBL.

Mennie, who was born in NSW coastal town Coffs Harbour, will make the move from the Hobart where he has spent three summers playing for the Hurricanes.

Mennie more wickets for Joe in Townsville

"I’m really looking forward to getting home and spending some quality time with good people over Christmas," Mennie said.

"I got the call from my manager saying that he’d been approached by the Sixers and that they were keen to sign me.

"I thought it would be a great opportunity, the Sixers are obviously a great brand and a great team, I’ve spent a lot of time in Sydney, I love Sydney, and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity."

The Sixers could well have two international vacancies on their roster; it's expected South African born allrounder Johan Botha will be granted Australian citizenship this year, while Englishman Michael Lumb is yet to sign on for BBL|06.

Ins: Joe Mennie (Hobart)

Outs: TBA

Retained: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Johan Botha, Ryan Carters, Ben Dwarshuis, Brad Haddin, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Stephen O'Keefe, Jordan Silk, Mitchell Starc

Off-contract players: Doug Bollinger, Ed Cowan, Michael Edwards, Michael Lumb (OS), Steve Smith

Sydney Thunder

The Sydney Thunder's title defence could be bolstered by the return of two international superstars this summer.

While the reigning BBL champions are tight-lipped on who exactly will fill their two overseas slots this summer, Thunder general manager Nick Cummins has confirmed on social media that both spots had been filled for BBL|06.

West Indies star Andre Russell's success in his debut season in lime green makes him a 'must sign', and the Thunder will have been desperate to beat off rival BBL clubs to ensure his return, while England one-day captain Eoin Morgan also looms as a prime target for the Thunder.

Russell's really really ridiculously good catch

Cummins said the club would look for a player with a lot of Indian Premier League experience to fill the gaps left by retired skipper Mike Hussey and South Africa legend Jacques Kallis, who appears to have made the transition to life as a coach after a stint as Kolkata mentor in the IPL.

With former Australia allrounder Shane Watson already on their list, the Thunder's top priority is strengthening their batting line-up – particularly given Usman Khawaja will likely be engaged with international duties for much of the summer – while leadership experience is another priority.

Morgan, who played four matches for the Thunder in BBL|04, ticks all those boxes.

However, the Irish-born batsman's availability may prove a sticking point, with England due to play a limited-overs series in India in January.

The Thunder have also re-signed BBL|05 title winners Chris Green, Clint McKay and Aiden Blizzard for the next two seasons.

The trio will now remain with the Thunder Nation until the end of BBL|07, while teenage batsman Jason Sangha comes on board as the Thunder's community rookie.

Ins: TBA

Outs: Mike Hussey (retired); Jacques Kallis (retired)

Retained: Fawad Ahmed, Aiden Blizzard, Patrick Cummins, Jake Doran, Ryan Gibson, Chris Green, Usman Khawaja, Alister McDermott, Clint McKay, Kurtis Patterson, Ben Rohrer, Gurinder Sandhu, Shane Watson

Off-contract players: Ahillen Beadle, Chris Hartley, Andrew McDonald, Andre Russell (OS)