The Melbourne Stars Women are one of the established teams in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). The club represents Melbourne and competes in T20 cricket against teams from across Australia. The Stars have a mix of experienced Australian players, young talent, and international cricketers.
The team will compete in WBBL 2026, with WBBL|12 bringing another season of domestic and international women’s cricket.
Melbourne Stars WBBL 2026
The Melbourne Stars WBBL 2026 campaign will feature a strong group of Australian players and overseas signings. The team reached the WBBL|11 finals after missing the finals for five seasons and finished fourth before losing the knockout match.
For WBBL|12, the side has retained several key players while adding England all-rounder Charlie Dean. She will make her first Big Bash appearance after signing a one-year deal with the Stars.
Melbourne Stars WBBL Squad
The current Melbourne Stars WBBL squad includes Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Day, Kim Garth, Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Indigo Noble, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, and Charlie Dean.
Charlie Dean adds another spin option to the bowling attack. She also brings international batting and leadership experience from England. Dani Gibson and Amy Jones will continue their association with the club for WBBL|12.
The Melbourne Stars WBBL team therefore has a balance of batting, pace, spin, wicketkeeping, and all-round skills.
Melbourne Stars Players and Captain
The Melbourne Stars players include some of the most experienced names in Australian women’s cricket. Meg Lanning provides major batting experience, while Kim Garth and Sophie Day add depth to the bowling group.
Annabel Sutherland is the Melbourne Stars WBBL captain. The all-rounder is an important part of the team’s batting and bowling plans. She also played a key role during WBBL|11, when she scored 174 runs and took 11 wickets.
The club has also appointed Richard Pyrah as head coach for WBBL|12.
Who Are the Melbourne Stars?
The Melbourne Stars are a professional cricket club based in Melbourne, Victoria. They have both men’s and women’s teams. The men’s side competes in the Big Bash League, while the women’s team plays in the WBBL.
The women’s competition gives Australian players and overseas stars a regular platform to play high-level T20 cricket.
What Happened to Melbourne Stars?
There was uncertainty about the future identity of the Melbourne Stars during 2026. Cricket Victoria had considered a rebrand linked to changes involving the two Melbourne Big Bash clubs.
However, those plans were put on hold for the 2026–27 season. Cricket Victoria confirmed that both the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades would continue playing in WBBL|12 and BBL|16.
So, the Melbourne Stars remain active in the WBBL.
Who Are the New Players Joining Melbourne Stars?
The main new addition to the WBBL|12 squad is Charlie Dean. The England vice-captain joins Sophie Day as another specialist spin option.
The club has also retained England players Dani Gibson and Amy Jones. Meanwhile, South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp withdrew from the upcoming season because of her international schedule.
Have Melbourne Stars Won the BBL?
This question refers to the men’s team. The Melbourne Stars have reached the BBL final but have not won the men’s championship. The women’s side competes separately in the WBBL, so its results and title history are tracked independently.
Melbourne Stars WBBL Fixtures, Results, and Standings
The Melbourne Stars WBBL fixtures will determine the team’s path through the WBBL|12 regular season. Fans can follow each game for the latest Melbourne Stars results, points, and table position.
The Melbourne Stars WBBL results will directly affect the Melbourne Stars standings and their position in the Melbourne Stars WBBL standings. Strong results during the regular season can help the team reach the finals.
For followers of Australian women’s cricket, WBBL 2026 will again bring together leading domestic players and international stars.
Keep up with player profiles, live scores and fixtures throughout the WBBL|12 season.
FAQs
Who is the owner of Melbourne Stars?
The Melbourne Stars operate within the Cricket Victoria and Big Bash structure. Ownership and investment arrangements around the Big Bash are part of a wider process, but the club remains active for WBBL|12.
Which BBL team has never won?
The men’s Melbourne Stars are among the BBL teams that have not won the championship. This is separate from the women’s WBBL competition.
How much does the CEO of Cricket Australia earn?
Cricket Australia executive salaries are separate from WBBL player contracts and team finances. Individual executive remuneration should be checked in Cricket Australia’s published annual reports rather than assumed from player salaries.
Why did the Melbourne Star shut down?
The Melbourne Stars did not shut down. The club continues to compete in WBBL|12 and BBL|16. The 2026 rebrand proposal was shelved for the upcoming season.