Melbourne Stars are the only one of the 8 WBBL franchises yet to win the title, in 11 seasons, and their off-season has been about list management rather than a marquee arrival. The headline is a departure: Marizanne Kapp, one of the world's finest allrounders, has pulled out of the season entirely.
Why Kapp Is Out
Kapp, 36, had a year left on her Stars contract but withdrew on 15 September 2026 to focus on South Africa's international schedule, which includes a Test match against India starting 9 December, just four days after the WBBL final. "We are of course disappointed to be without someone of Marizanne's calibre this season," Stars general manager James Rosengarten said. "She is one of the world's finest all-round players but we understand her priorities at this stage and it will present another list opportunity for the Stars."
Gibson and Jones Both Stay
The club moved quickly to lock in continuity elsewhere. England pair Dani Gibson and Amy Jones both re-signed the same week. Jones was Stars' second-highest run-scorer last season with 234 runs from 11 matches at a strike rate of 125.80; Gibson made 170 runs in the same number of games at a strike rate of 139.34, in a season that ended with a Knockout loss to Perth Scorchers.
"It was a priority for us to have both Dani and Amy return this season, so we're really pleased with this outcome," Rosengarten said. "They are both very talented cricketers in multiple ways, which is so valuable in this format. We are bolstering our batting line-up with two different skillsets, while also gaining a wicket keeper and bowler." Stars can still sign one more international player before the season starts.
A New Coach for a New Season
Stars have also appointed a new head coach: Richard Pyrah, currently Yorkshire's women's coach, signed on a two-year deal, taking over from Andy Christie, who steps back into an assistant role to focus on his Victoria WNCL head coach job. Christie had guided Stars to the Knockout last season. Pyrah worked with Stars captain Annabel Sutherland this year as an assistant at Sunrisers Leeds in the Hundred, where Sutherland was Player of the Season as Sunrisers reached the final.
One more departure to note: England's Maia Bouchier, who played for Stars last season, has moved across to Adelaide Strikers.
Confirmed Squad So Far
Stars have never won the WBBL title. A new coach on a two-year deal, a settled batting core and one international slot still open makes this the most interesting off-season story among all 8 clubs, whichever way it goes.
Stars finished 4th in WBBL|11, losing the Knockout. Source: Cricket Australia's official WBBL|12 squad tracker, checked 30 September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Marizanne Kapp not playing for Melbourne Stars in WBBL 2026?
She withdrew on 15 September 2026 to focus on South Africa's international commitments, which include a Test against India starting 9 December 2026.
Who replaced Andy Christie as Melbourne Stars coach?
Richard Pyrah, Yorkshire's women's coach, on a two-year deal. Christie moves into an assistant role.
Have Melbourne Stars ever won a WBBL title?
No, they are the only one of the 8 franchises without a title. Their best finish was runners-up in WBBL|06, 2020/21.
Who captains Melbourne Stars?
Annabel Sutherland.
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