The Sydney Sixers have announced their 15-man squad for the upcoming Champions League T20 tournament in South Africa.

The squad, comprising of players contracted for the BBL|01 season, will be coached by Trevor Bayliss’ assistant Corey Richards, with Bayliss tied up with the Kolkata Knight Riders who will also compete in the tournament after winning the IPL title earlier this year.

The 15-man squad leaves for South Africa in early October and will have a 10-day preparation in Sydney prior to departure.

Richards believes the BBL|01 champions will be up to the task in South Africa.

“This is a really strong squad and we will have most of the players who brought home the BBL trophy traveling with us for the tournament, as well as a few strike weapons who didn’t get to play with us much last year,” said Richards.

“To have that strong core of players like Steve Smith, Stephen O’Keefe, Moises Henriques and Nic Maddinson, as well as the addition of guys like Brad Haddin, Shane Watson and Pat Cummins, will ensure we field a pretty strong team.”

Squad members are:

1. Patrick Cummins
2. Brad Haddin
3. Josh Hazlewood
4. Moises Henriques
5. Michael Lumb
6. Nic Maddinson
7. Nathan McCullum
8. Ian Moran
9. Peter Nevill
10. Stephen O’Keefe
11. Ben Rohrer
12. Steve Smith
13. Mitchell Starc
14. Dom Thornely
15. Shane Watson

Brett Lee was selected in the original 15-man squad, however the Kolkata Knight Riders also selected him and they have first option to play him in the CLT20 tournament.

The Sydney Sixers start their campaign on Sunday 14 October.  Fixtures for the tournament are:
Sunday 14 October
Chennai Super Kings v Sydney Sixers  |  New Wanderer’s Stadium, Johannesburg
1.30pm local, 10.30pm AEDT

Tuesday 16 October
Sydney Sixers v Qualifier 2  |  Newlands, Capetown
1.30pm local, 10.30pm AEDT

Thursday 18 October
Lions v Sydney Sixers  |  Newlands, Capetown
1.30pm local, 10.30pm AEDT

Monday 22 October
Sydney Sixers v Mumbai Indians  |  Kingsmead, Durban
5.30pm local, 2.30am AEDT

The finals will be held on the following dates:
Thursday 25 October – 1st Semi Final
Kingsmead, Durban
5.30pm local, 2.30am AEDT

Friday 26 October – 2nd Semi Final
Supersport Park, Centurion
5.30pm local, 2.30am AEDT

Sunday 28 October – Final
New Wanderer’s Stadium, Johannesburg
5.30pm local, 2.30am AEDT