After being released from his New Zealand cricket contract earlier this month, Trent Boult headlines a star-studded crop of platinum players for Sunday’s inaugural Big Bash League (BBL) Draft.

The 33-year-old fast bowler is one of 12 selected platinum players, which clubs can select with either of their first two selections.

Rashid Khan, Sam Billings, Shadab Khan and Chris Jordan are all available for retention by their respective BBL11 clubs. Meanwhile, players such as ex-South African captain Faf Du Plessis, West Indies big hitter Andre Russell, and Boult are free agents.

Big Bash League general manager Alistair Dobson says that he has been amazed with the way the BBL Draft has attracted the game’s most talented short-form players.

“The number and quality of nominations for the KFC BBL|12 draft has blown us away and vindicates the decision to adopt this new, innovative model,” Dobson said.

The Melbourne Renegades hold the number one pick for Sunday’s draft.

PHOTO: AUSvNZL T20 AUS innings, SCG by David Molloy is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons licence.