Marizanne Kapp withdraws from WBBL 2026 as Melbourne Stars re-sign Dani Gibson and Amy Jones

Stars reshuffle as Kapp exits WBBL 2026 — Gibson and Jones in

Marizanne Kapp (36) has pulled out of WBBL 2026, with a year left on her Melbourne Stars deal. Her reason: international duty. SA's Test vs India kicks off Dec 9 — just four days after the WBBL final on Dec 5. She can't be in two places at once, so the big-hitting allrounder opts for the red ball.

The Stars didn't miss a beat. They've re-signed England duo Dani Gibson and Amy Jones, both of whom lit it up for the club in WBBL 2025 and are back for 2026.

GM James Rosengarten was blunt about the strategy: "It was a priority to have both Dani and Amy back." He flagged the dual value — two different batting skillsets, plus a wicket-keeper and a bowler. Familiar faces, proven in these conditions, committed to winning here.

The numbers back the move:

- Amy Jones: 234 runs, 11 matches, SR 125.80

- Dani Gibson: 170 runs, 11 matches, SR 139.34

Both were consistent, high-impact contributors last season. Kapp's absence removes a genuine world-class allrounder, but Rosengarten framed it as an opportunity for the squad to step up. With the international signing budget still available, the Stars can go further if they want.

Bottom line: a smart pivot. They lost quality but gained depth, continuity, and a settled overseas core heading into the 12th edition (Oct 29 – Dec 5).

Source: Crictracker