Photo Credit: Melbourne Renegades
The Melbourne Renegades have locked in explosive keeper-batter Tim Seifert as their BBL international pre-draft selection.
The two-year deal ties the 29-year-old Blackcap to the Renegades with full availability for the BBL|14 and BBL|15 tournaments.
The move means the Renegades retain their Platinum selection (Pick #2) to bring in more top-tier talent at September’s draft.
Seifert, who hails from Cambridge on NZ’s North Island, was the first-choice keeper in the Blackcaps’ T20 squad as early as April and has 64 international matches to his name.
He prepares for his maiden Big Bash in strong form courtesy of a stellar 2024 to date at both international and franchise levels.
Melbourne Renegades BBL|14 Squad (to date):
Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Nathan Lyon, Fergus O’Neill, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Gurinder Sandhu, Tim Seifert, Will Sutherland, Jon Wells, Adam Zampa
He starred for the Galle Marvels in the Sri Lankan Premier League (LPL), amassing 400 runs from his 10 innings (averaging 57.14) to top the tournament’s runs-scorers, outstanding form which included an unbeaten 104 from 63 deliveries in game three and a half-century in the final.
Prior to the LPL, Seifert enjoyed a brilliant Pakistan Super League with the Karachi Kings and scored the second most runs for the Blackcaps in their best-of-four series in Pakistan.
He’s also represented two franchises in the Indian Premier League, Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, in an impressive T20 resume.
Known for his aggression and ingenuity at the crease, Seifert was looking forward getting stuck into Big Bash cricket and settling in for the ride with the Renegades.
“Being a Kiwi, I have watched a lot of Big Bash over the journey and watched some big names, like Kieron Pollard and Chris Gayle playing for the Renegades, so I’m excited to follow in their shoes as that international recruit,” Seifert said.
“I’m thrilled to be here for the next two seasons, I’ll be able to enjoy the environment and get to know the club on that deeper level which doesn’t often happen in franchise cricket so I’m excited to call myself a Gade for the next couple of seasons at least.
“And I’ve never played under a roof either, so I’m looking forward to that. And the MCG. Hopefully both Melbourne sides are playing well, and we get to pack out both Marvel Stadium and the ‘G and add another chapter to the rivalry.”
Seifert’s top-order credentials will complement the Renegades’ mix of power-hitters with the opening and number three spots a toss of the coin between him, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Josh Brown.
Seifert’s glove craft will also be a luxury for head coach Cameron White to have in his arsenal across the next two seasons.
“That top three spot would be outstanding and if Cam feels like I’m the man to take the gloves I’ll be ready for that too. At the same time, I’m ready to fit in and play whatever role Whitey and the Renegades need me to play.”
Melbourne Renegades General Manager, James Rosengarten, stated Seifert’s versatility was a key reason behind the recruitment.
“Tim gives us a double threat; we get a powerful and skilled batter plus an established international keeper and regular member of the Blackcaps program, so we’re excited to welcome into the club,” he said.
“The beauty is Tim has full availability which is extremely valuable for topline overseas players this BBL season and its fantastic for our club to lock in Tim and still retain our prized Platinum pick.
“Under the eyes of Cameron White and our coaching group we’re building a culture of success and cohesion, and it will be great to have Tim for a couple of seasons to work closely with our domestic players to get the most out of this group.”
