Last Updated on 10 months ago by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Will David Warner play in the BBL? | Update on whether David Warner will play in the BBL
Australian opener David Warner has signed a two-year deal with Sydney Thunder as he will return to the Big Bash League (BBL) for the first time since 2013. Warner’s contract will be worth as much as that of platinum players in the upcoming draft of the league, i.e., AU $340,000. A part of that amount will be covered under the salary cap of the Thunder whereas Cricket Australia (CA) will take care of the remaining amount.
Back in July, The Australian had reported that Warner had requested the CA to grant him approval to play in the UAE ILT20 league in January. However, the CA has been eager to revitalise the BBL from the coming campaign onwards. The board is also simultaneously engaged in a legal tussle with host broadcasters Channel Seven with the two sides grappling over the quality of the tournament.
The BBL salary cap issue will form a vital part of the negotiations over a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CA and the Australian Cricketers’ Association. Reportedly, the Australian domestic cricketers have been cognisant of the money being paid to overseas cricketers specifically belonging to the platinum category. There are chances that Warner’s lucrative deal will pave the way for substantial salary hikes for other cricketers as well.
David Warner to play in the next two seasons of BBL
“I care deeply about the game, and I am conscious that the conditions that I enjoy as a professional cricketer have largely come from other senior players who have come before me,” the southpaw was quoted in a report by the ESPNcricinfo. He added, “That is how the game is structured and I understand that my contribution to the future of the BBL will hopefully benefit the next generation of players long after I am retired.”
Warner will be available for five regular-season matches from January onwards and then possibly the finals this year. Incidentally, he has featured for the Thunder twice out of the mere three games that he has played in the BBL.
There still exists a cloud of doubt over the availability of top Australian players in the country’s premier T20 franchise tournament.
Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are more than likely to rest during the BBL window. Steven Smith has refused an initial offer from the Sydney Sixers. The former Test skipper will take a decisive call on this issue considering whether he needs some time off prior to the Test tour to India. Meanwhile, the duo of Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head have signed extensions with Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers respectively.
