With every Big Bash League side allowed only two overseas players on their books each season, each franchise is out to recruit the best players possible, meaning some of the stars of Twenty20 cricket grace Australian shores each summer.

It's more of the same ahead of the BBL06 season, as 16 overseas players make their way down under in search for Big Bash League glory.

Here at Zero Wicket we've decided to break down the list of all the overseas players and select our top five, as we run our eye over the five players who will make the biggest impact during the upcoming tournament.

2Kevin Pietersen (England)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: Kevin Pietersen of the Stars walks off after being dismissed by Chris Green of the Thunder during the Big Bash League final match between Melbourne Stars and the Sydney Thunder at Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 24, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

The return of Kevin Pietersen to the BBL is sure to excite fans, and his form of late means the former Test star arrives in Australia in fantastic nick.

Pietersen is averaging 47.26 in South Africa's T20 domestic tournament, as his career domestic T20 average sits just a shade below 35.

The 36-year-old will be one of the most watched and talked about players this tournament, and there's little doubt that he'll be able to thrive under the pressure.