As a pre-draft BBL addition, Tim Seifert, a wicketkeeper and batter from New Zealand, has joined the Melbourne Renegades on a two-year contract.

With the Renegades, Seifert will be completely available for both seasons. He will, however, be absent from the Super Smash, New Zealand's domestic T20 competition, for at least some of it due to this commitment.

The new availability regulations for BBL 14 have made Seifert a direct international signing for the Renegades. In a clever move, the team announced that they will keep choice No. 2 in this year's foreign player draft, which takes place on September 1.

Seifert will take over for Quinton de Kock, who left the team last year. He also brings international experience to a team that has already seen the retirement of veterans Shaun Marsh and Aaron Finch.

Seifert has participated in T20 leagues all around the world in addition to playing three ODIs and 61 T20Is for New Zealand. He averages 27.43 overall in the format, including three centuries, with a strike-rate of 130.12. With 400 runs at 57.14 and a strike rate of 135.13, he concluded last month as the Lanka Premier League's top-scorer.

"I'm thrilled to be here for the next two seasons, I'll be able to enjoy the environment and get to know the club on that deeper level which doesn't often happen in franchise cricket so I'm excited to call myself a Gade for the next couple of seasons at least," Seifert said.

"That top three spot would be outstanding and if Cam [White] feels like I'm the man to take the gloves I'll be ready for that too. At the same time, I'm ready to fit in and play whatever role Whitey and the Renegades need me to play."

Renegades general manager James Rosengarten said, "Tim gives us a double threat; we get a powerful and skilled batter plus an established international keeper and regular member of the Blackcaps program, so we're excited to welcome into the club.

"The beauty is Tim has full availability which is extremely valuable for topline overseas players this BBL season and its fantastic for our club to lock in Tim and still retain our prized Platinum pick."

On September 1, the BBL draft will take place. The picks for the Renegades are 2, 10, 23, and 26.