Photo Credit: Sydney Sixers
The Sydney Sixers have secured one of the most sought-after signatures on the market, signing New Zealand star Amelia Kerr for the next three Weber WBBL seasons.
Currently the #2 ranked all-rounder in the world, Kerr is widely regarded as one of the most electrifying players in the game.
The 23-year-old previously spent five seasons with the Brisbane Heat, making 58 appearances during her time in teal and playing a vital role in the side’s championship victory in WBBL|05.
Notching an impressive 854 runs in the competition to date – in addition to 62 wickets – the all-rounder was one of the top-ten run-scorers last summer, with 355 runs under her belt.
Bursting onto the international scene in 2018 as a 17-year-old, the leg-spinner broke the record for the highest individual score in a women’s One-Day International, smashing an unbeaten 232* runs while opening the batting for her home nation.
Now with two Women’s World Cup appearances (2017, 2022) and three Women’s T20 World Cup appearances (2018, 2020, 2023) to add to a Commonwealth Games bronze medal, Kerr has established herself as one the most integral members of the White Ferns.
Set to reunite with her Mumbai Indians coach – and current Sydney Sixers head coach – Charlotte Edwards, the pair will be looking to back-up their success from the inaugural WPL season, claiming the championship together in 2023.
Speaking about joining the Sixers, Kerr said she was excited for what the new opportunity would bring in Sydney.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to join the Sixers. It’s a team that has always competed at a high level and to be able to play alongside some world class players, I believe will help to grow my game.
“Jess [Kerr] and Suzie [Bates] have both spoken so highly of the club and the environment so I’m looking forward to being a part of it and can hopefully add some value both on and off the field.
“It was an extremely hard decision to leave Brisbane as the players and staff there have been nothing but good to me and I’m very grateful for the five seasons I’ve spent at the Heat.
“With the scheduling of women’s cricket there is not much downtime and being based in Sydney was a big part of my decision. I have close family living in Sydney which will help make the time away from home a lot of fun.
“I want to keep finding ways to better myself as a cricketer and a person so I’m looking forward to this exciting new opportunity with the Sixers.”
Unlike in previous seasons where overseas signings were contracted on a one-year basis, Kerr was signed under the League’s new multi-year contract provision.
The introduction of the multi-year provision enables each club to sign one overseas player each season for up to three years – outside of the WBBL Draft – securing high-profile talent for clubs on a longer-term basis.
All remaining overseas players must be secured by clubs via either the Draft, or alternatively may be signed as a Replacement Player in place of a full-time squad member.
Sydney Sixers General Manager, Rachael Haynes said securing Kerr’s signature was a huge win for the club.
” We’re obviously incredibly pleased to have secured Amelia. She’s one of the best all-rounders in the world and highly sought-after for a reason.
“The new multi-year contract provision for overseas players has allowed us to secure Amelia for the next three years which is a huge win for our members and fans.
“For them to have the opportunity to see one of the world’s best players up close and personal is unbeatable.”
Kerr is set to join her New Zealand teammates for their tour of England beginning in July before heading down under to link up with the Sixers later this year.
