Who can and can't switch clubs during the BBL movement window

Aaron Murphy

Glenn Maxwell will be playing for the Stars beyond his 39th birthday. JAMES WORSFOLD / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

The Big Bash League player movement window opened on Wednesday after the eight franchises made last-ditch efforts to shore up their contracted players earlier in the week.

Glenn Maxwell re-signed with the Melbourne Stars for two more seasons on Tuesday, as did rising 23-year-old top order bat Campbell Kellaway, as two of seven deadline day signings that also included Sydney Thunder pair Matthew Gilkes and Ryan Hadley.

Adelaide Strikers revelation Jerrssis Wadia, who finished his debut tournament with 2-11 against the Renegades and appeared to have come out of nowhere - at least for those not familiar with the club scene in Adelaide - also locked in for two further seasons.

Each franchise is permitted to retain up to ten contracted players at the end of each season before the opening of the nine-day 'Player Movement Window' on Wednesday.

By the end of business next Friday, teams will be allowed to sign eligible free agents and trade future draft picks amongst themselves as long as they have a list of maximum 12 players.

Franchises are not permitted to re-sign free agents who played for their club during BBL15 during the Player Movement Window but can do so once the embargo is lifted, with former Sydney Thunder bowler Wes Agar amongst those most likely to immediately return back to their most recent team.

The Melbourne Renegades, who retained only nine players instead of ten, are in the box seat to make some moves over the next week and will need to bolster their spin stocks by replacing Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon or talking them into turning down rival offers over the next week.

Zampa is reportedly keen to be closer to his farm in Binna Burra, which is a two-hour drive south of Brisbane on NSW's North Coast.

“The Melbourne Stars have been a massive part of my cricket career and I’m really passionate about this team having success,” said former Stars captain Maxwell when announcing his retaining.

“I think this current group is building towards something special and I’m confident we’re in a place to contend for the title in the next two seasons.”