Top Perth Scorchers wicket-taker Jason Behrendorff has been signed by the Melbourne Renegades in a standout opening move of the BBL's inaugural free agency period.
Following the Hobart Hurricanes' triumph over the Sydney Thunder in Monday night's grand final, the BBL's โPlayer Movement Window' kicked off with the left-arm quick signing a three-year deal.
The move comes as a surprise, given Behrendorff has been a mainstay with the Perth Scorchers since making his debut in 2012.
โThe Scorchers will always have a special place in my heart,โ Behrendorff announced on Instagram.
โI had always thought I would finish my BBL career in orange, however, that is not meant to be. I leave the club knowing I have given my all, I have seriously enjoyed my time as a player and as a teammate.โ
Behrendorff's move to the Renegades follows a disappointing season for the Scorchers, who missed the finals for the first time in five years.
His departure comes after an outstanding 17-wicket season that earned him the coveted Golden Arm Award.
โJason is a world-class bowler and proven match-winner so we're delighted to have him on board,โ James Rosengarten, Melbourne Renegades General Manager, said in a statement.
Introduced this year, the Player Movement Window enables clubs to sign eligible free agents or trade players and draft picks with other teams, but it does not permit re-signing or extending existing player contracts during this period.
โMoving to Melbourne has been something Juvelle and I have talked about as a goal whenever the end of my career happened so to be able to continue my career and play cricket in a city we both love is a blessing,โ the 34-year-old said.
โChange is never an easy decision and I look forward to seeing you all when I am next at Optus, just don't boo too loudly.โ