Melbourne, June 19 -- Indian batting sensation Jemimah Rodrigues has been retained by Brisbane Heat in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) Draft, leading a list of 23 international players picked up by the eight franchises on Thursday in Melbourne.

Rodrigues, a fan favourite in Brisbane, will return to the Heat alongside fellow overseas stars Chinelle Henry and Nadine de Klerk, strengthening the club's batting and all-round options for WBBL|10.

The draft also saw Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu and South African speedster Shabnim Ismail join Sydney Thunder, alongside England's Heather Knight, forming a formidable international trio.

The Sydney Sixers bolstered their squad with the exciting signings of England's Sophia Dunkley and...