South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has withdrawn from the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) due to international commitments. The 36-year-old informed Melbourne Stars that she will prioritise South Africa’s multi-format series against India, with the Test starting on December 9.
Melbourne Stars have re-signed England cricketers Amy Jones and Dani Gibson for the next season. Jones returns after featuring for the Stars previously, while Gibson will continue her association with the franchise. Melbourne Stars can still sign one more overseas player before the tournament begins.
Marizanne Kapp had one year left on her Melbourne Stars contract but has decided to withdraw from the upcoming WBBL season to focus on her international commitments with South Africa. The 36-year-old will prepare for the multi-format series against India.
Kapp’s absence leaves the Stars without one of their most experienced all-rounders for the new season. However, Melbourne Stars general manager James Rosengarten said the club understands her decision and supports her international priorities.
“We are of course disappointed to be without someone of Marizanne's calibre this season,” Rosengarten said. “She is one of the world's finest all-round players but we understand her priorities at this stage and it will present another list opportunity for the Stars.”
Amy Jones and Dani Gibson Return to Melbourne Stars
The Stars have strengthened their squad after Marizanne Kapp’s withdrawal. They re-signed England duo Amy Jones and Dani Gibson for the 12th WBBL season. Both players featured for the Stars last season and will return after helping the team reach the knockout stage.
Jones was Melbourne’s second-highest run-scorer in WBBL 2025, scoring 234 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 125.80. Gibson also made an impact with her all-round skills, scoring 170 runs at a strike rate of 139.34 in 11 matches.
The Stars can still add one more overseas player to their squad before the WBBL season. Rosengarten said that retaining both players was a priority for the franchise.
“It was a priority for us to have both Dani and Amy return this season, so we're really pleased with this outcome,” he said. “They are both very talented cricketers in multiple ways, which is so valuable in this format.
“We are bolstering our batting line-up with two different skillsets, while also gaining a wicket-keeper and bowler. They both really enjoyed their time in Melbourne which is a great sign for our club and they're committed to having success here.”
Melbourne Stars Look to Improve After WBBL 2025 Knockout Exit
The Stars finished fourth in the WBBL 2025-26 league stage with five wins, four defeats, and one no-result. They then suffered a 28-run defeat against Perth Scorchers in the knockout match to end their campaign.
Meg Lanning was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 603 runs. Her 135 off 74 balls against Sydney Sixers was the third-highest individual score in WBBL history.
The team, however, lost momentum towards the end of the season after Kapp left for international duty. The Stars suffered heavy defeats against Sydney Thunder and eventual champions Hobart Hurricanes before their knockout loss to Perth.
Also read: Cricket Australia begins BBL privatisation process with Melbourne Renegades license sale
Hence then, the article about marizanne kapp withdraws from wbbl 2026 melbourne stars re sign amy jones dani gibson was published today ( ) and is available on cricketaddictor ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Marizanne Kapp withdraws from WBBL 2026; Melbourne Stars re-sign Amy Jones, Dani Gibson )
Also on site :
- Anthropologie’s Multicolored Glass and Stone Hoops Add Vintage-Style Elegance to Any Look for Just $30
- Pulitzer-Winning Author’s Novel, Written in a Home Basement, Ranked ‘Greatest Book of the Last 20 Years’
- Taylor Swift Makes Surprise Emmys Cameo to Unpack Swiftie-Coded Easter Eggs With Detective Olivia Benson