Last season, the Hobart Hurricanes made it to the Challenger Final but were eliminated by the Sydney Sixers in their bid for back-to-back titles.
The Hurricanes were the first team to qualify for the finals in 2025, but a form slump towards the end of the season last year derailed their campaign.
In the post-season, Hobart defeated the Melbourne Stars by three runs in a rain-affected knockout final, before losing to the Sydney Sixers by 57 runs in the Challenger, ending their hopes of back-to-back titles.
The Hurricanes have strengthened their bowling attack with the signing of Adam Zampa, arguably Australia's greatest white-ball spinner since Shane Warne.
The leg-spinner has taken 153 wickets in 118 T20 Internationals, which is the most by an Australian.
“I'm really excited to be joining the Hurricanes. It's a strong squad that has enjoyed plenty of success over the past couple of seasons and I'm looking forward to getting down to Hobart and being part of it,” Zampa said.
“I've known Nath [Ellis] for a long time, and we've played a lot of cricket together, so the opportunity to link up with him at the Hurricanes was definitely something that appealed to me.
“There's a lot of quality in the group, and hopefully I can come in, play my role, and help the team have another successful season.”
In the BBL, he has taken 138 wickets at an average of 23.42.
Cricket Tasmania General Manager, Salliann Beams, said securing a player of Zampa's calibre was a significant addition to the Hurricanes squad.
“Adam was arguably the biggest name available on the market, and we're thrilled that he has chosen to join the Hurricanes,” Beams said.
“His record speaks for itself. He's Australia's leading T20I wicket-taker, the most successful spinner the Big Bash has seen, and has performed at the highest level of the game for a long period of time.
“We already have an outstanding bowling group led by Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith and Billy Stanlake, and adding someone with Adam's experience and skillset gives us another genuine world-class option.
“Importantly, Adam knows the Big Bash incredibly well. He understands the competition, he understands how to perform in different conditions, and he has shown throughout his career that he can have an impact in the crucial moments.
“To be able to add a player of his quality to the group is a significant result for the Hurricanes and we're really excited to see what he can bring to the team."
The Hurricanes have also signed arguably the best white-ball batsman in the world at the moment in West Indian short-form skipper, Shai Hope.
Hope has scored four centuries against India in his last six innings across T20 and ODI cricket.
Beams said Hope had been a key off-season target as the Hurricanes looked to reshape their top order.
“We saw during his first stint with us the quality and experience he brings, and his T20 game has continued to develop since then.
“Importantly, having Shai available for the entire tournament gives us some real stability. He already knows our environment and a number of the players, so we're really excited to welcome him back to Hobart.”
Hope said the opportunity to return to the Hurricanes and spend a full season with the club was an exciting one.
“I really enjoyed my time in Hobart a couple of seasons ago, so I'm very excited to be coming back to the Hurricanes for BBL|16,” said the West Indies ODI and T20 captain.
“It's a great group, and I already know a number of the guys, so I'm looking forward to getting back into the environment and building on those relationships.
“The club has obviously enjoyed some great success since I was last there, and I'm looking forward to getting back to Hobart, contributing wherever I can, and doing everything I can to help the team have another successful season.”
The Hurricanes have also re-signed Rishad Hossain, who was superb in his first season in purple, where he was named the Hurricanes Player of the Tournament, after taking 15 wickets at an average of 20.86.
HOBART HURRICANES KEY PLAYERS IN BBL|16
Tim David
The destructive right-hand batsman made a name for himself during BBL10 for the Hobart Hurricanes after making the move from the Perth Scorchers.
Since then, he has averaged 34.97 with a strike rate of 168.41 for Australia.
He is also currently ranked the 21st-best T20 batsman in the world.
Nathan Ellis
The Hurricanes captain is arguably the best 'death' bowler in the world, and has a plethora of change-up deliveries in his arsenal.
He has played 39 T20 matches for Australia, taking 58 wickets at an average of 18.06.
Ellis is also currently ranked the fifth-best T20 bowler in the world.
Nikhil Chaudhary
The Indian-born all-rounder is similar to David in that he burst onto the scene from nowhere.
He gives the Hurricanes stability across the board, with the fact that he can bat and bowl almost anywhere in the lineup.
Chaudhary averages 26.65 with the bat with a strike rate of 142, and has also taken nine wickets.
HOBART HURRICANES BBL|16 EXPECTATIONS
The Hobart Hurricanes are fairly one of the favourites to win the BBL16 title given the acquisitions that they have made over the off-season.
Hope, David, Zampa, and Ellis, in particular, are some of the world's best T20 players and have so much experience that will only help them even more.
They have star power everywhere and will be very hard to beat as they chase their second title in three years.
HOBART HURRICANES BBL|16 FIXTURE
17 December 2026: Hobart Hurricanes vs Brisbane Heat - Ninja Stadium
20 December 2026: Perth Scorchers vs Hobart Hurricanes - Optus Stadium
24 December 2026: Melbourne Renegades vs Hobart Hurricanes - Junction Oval
29 December 2026: Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars - Ninja Stadium
1 January 2027: Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes - Gabba
5 January 2027: Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder - Ninja Stadium
9 January 2027: Hobart Hurricanes vs Adelaide Strikers - UTAS Stadium
12 January 2027: Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes - Adelaide Oval
14 January 2027: Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes - MCG
17 January 2027: Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers - Ninja Stadium
HOBART HURRICANES BBL|16 SQUAD
Marcus Bean, Iain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Nick Hobson, Rishad Hossain, Shai Hope, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Will Prestwidge, Billy Stanlake, Tim Ward, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa.
