According to a report from BBC, the star England pacer Jofra Archer has registered himself in the draft of the upcoming Big Bash League, however, for a full season, unlike other English players. And the league is likely to collide with The Ashes, as the latter will be starting in late November and will continue till the week of January. Meanwhile, the BBL draft has been scheduled on June 19.

Last season had the same issue when England was touring Australia in 2021-22. Apart from Archer, other English players like Jacob Bethell and Ollie Pope have also entered the draft but their availability has been restricted to just four to six games.

Archer, who is currently recovering from a thumb injury, has participated in the 2025 Indian Premier League too, taking 11 wickets representing the Rajasthan Royals. However, when it is being questioned if Archer is prioritizing Leagues over nation, here's the broader aspect of it. The T20 World Cup is around the corner, likely to start around February next year.

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Well, Archer has a chance to come back in the five-match test series against India post-injury. But whether he will be playing the Ashes is still uncertain at this point.

Notably, last appeared in the BBL with the Hobart Hurricanes during the 2017 and 2018 seasons, securing 34 wickets at an average of 23.26. Among the new English players entering this year’s men’s draft are all-rounder Liam Dawson, batter Jason Roy, Jordan Cox, and bowlers Luke Wood and Reece Topley.

The Big Bash League will serve as a key opportunity for players to make a strong case for selection ahead of February’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. England will be eager to get back on track in the World Cup, following disappointments in 2023 and 2024, when their campaigns fell well below expectations.