South Africa, New Zealand, India and England all have international commitments that will stretch across BBL|02, but there are still plenty of top quality international cricketers available. Here’s a quick look at six who weren’t involve last year, that could be options this time around.

South Africa are hosting New Zealand, and India are hosting England, during December and January so it’s highly unlikely any of the current top flight international players from these countries are going to be available for the second season of the BBL. Players from the West Indies and Pakistan don’t have any international commitments so the likes of Gayle, Bravo, Afridi and Razzaq should all be available if wanted. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh players could also be available.

So, here are six international players worth considering (who didn’t play in BBL|01), and which sides they could potentially fit with.

Ryan ten Doeschate

Last year I expected him to be one of the first signed to the Hobart Hurricanes, but it never happened. I’m sure there is a perfectly understandable explanation behind this, I’m just not aware what that explanation is. His all-round abilities would be welcomed in any team. Although I wonder if he would technically count as an ‘international’ player though, given his past involvement with the Tasmanian side?

Target side? Hobart Hurricanes

Kevin Peterson

When he suddenly retired from International ODI and T20 duty several weeks back buzz started around the possibility of him signing up for BBL|02. At the same time conflicting buzz started indicating that although he’d technically be available he would be unlikely to make an appearance — instead opting to stay home with his family. Understandable, but never say never, maybe if Warne returns for the Stars he might be able to help convince Kevin to make the trip downunder — unless last year’s failed Dernbach experiment has scared the Stars off of picking Englishmen.

Target side? Melbourne Stars

Kieron Pollard

Probably shouldn’t qualify for the list given he was signed with the Strikers last year, however he didn’t end up playing a single game after picking up an injury before the tournament started. He hasn’t been as consistently dominant as Gayle, but on his day he can be equally as destructive — and on those days you’d much rather he was playing for you rather than against you.

Target side? Adelaide Strikers

Shakib al Hasan

Picked up a wicket in each of his eight appearances in the recently concluded IPL, and was in good form &mdash with both bat and ball — in the BPL that took place in February. One of the top all-rounders in the world (currently number 1 in both Tests and ODIs and just outside the top 10 in T20i). Good option for a team looking for an additional all-rounder – good alternative to someone like Razzaq perhaps?

Target side? Sydney Thunder

Lasith Malinga

Does this one really need any explanation? Was dominant in the first half of IPL 2012, and despite only picking up 2 wickets in his last 6 games still finished third in the tally with 22. Imagine pairing him up with the likes of Shaun Tait or Brett Lee, wouldn’t matter who was facing up at the other end, they’d have a massive challenge ahead of them.

Target side? Melbourne Renegades

Sunil Narine

I honestly don’t know much about Narine other than that he had a solid IPL with his off-breaks, finishing 2nd in the wickets tally on 24 (with an economy of just 5.45 an over), just behind Morne Morkel and just ahead of Malinga. Someone like the Sixers might be on the look out for an additional spinner if MacGill doesn’t come out for a second run.

Target side? Sydney Sixers