Trending:

David Warner looking to skip BBL for UAE T20 league; Adam Gilchrist terms precedent 'dangerous'

Australian opener David Warner has sought clearance from Cricket Australia (CA) to participate in the UAE's latest T20 league and opt out of the 12th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). Former Australian opener termed this precedent as dangerous fueled by IPL franchises' acquisition of teams across the globe.

TN Sports Desk

Updated Jul 27, 2022, 14:43 IST

David Warner is reportedly in talks with BBL to opt out of the 12th edition to ply his trade in the UAE T20 League

Photo : AP

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

David Warner is reportedly in negotiations with franchises of the new Emirates T20 League
Warner is likely to opt out of Big Bash League as the January window of both the tournaments clashes
Adam Gilchrist suggested that this precedent is dangerous

Australian opener David Warner is reportedly considering giving his name for the new Emirates T20 League in the UAE. With the UAE League set to take place in January, it means Warner might have to opt out of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2022-23, which is set to be one of the biggest editions of the tournament.

BBL, which is bereft of Australia's best players generally due to home Test summer has a window this season to feature some of the local superstars while introducing a draft for the overseas players for the first time. However, according to a report by News Corp. Australia, Warner is negotiating with franchises in the UAE league.

The January window is set to get crowded with BBL, Emirates T20 League, CSA T20 League and Pakistan Super League (PSL) all in the same month as per the ICC's new Future Tours Programme (FTP).

The Emirates T20 League is set to have six franchises and they can acquire players through a draft system and independent signings. But a player can be signed independently only if he gets a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) from his country's own board. While Warner has initiated the process, the report suggested that he may not get the same from Cricket Australia (CA).

Gilchrist terms precedent 'dangerous'

With a bunch of T20 superstars set to feature in BBL this year, CA might not give Warner NOC and have him play in their own tournament.

Commenting on the same, former Australian opener Adam Gilchrist said that CA can't force Warner to play in BBL while expressing his concern over growing monopoly of IPL franchises. Gilchrist termed IPL franchises' acquisition of teams in others leagues as 'dangerous' saying that the teams may have ownership on the players and talents as to where they can play or not.

Speaking on SEN’s Whateley radio show, Gilchrist said, "They can’t force David Warner to play in BBL, I understand that, but to let him then go off or another player, let’s not single out Warner because there will be other players on the radar it’s all part of this global dominance that these IPL franchises are starting to create given they own a number of teams in Caribbean Premier League.

"It’s getting a little bit dangerous the grip that it’s having to monopolise that ownership and the ownership of the players and their talents and where they can and can’t play," he further added.

After three franchises in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the IPL teams grew their businesses by having bought three teams in the UAE league and all six of them in the Cricket South Africa league as well.

"If he (Warner) rides off into the sunset and says, ‘Sorry Australian cricket, I’m going to become a gun for hire for my Indian franchise team in various tournaments’ you can’t question him on that, that’s his prerogative and he’s done everything he needs to get the profile and get that market value.

"It’s the new younger player coming in that starts to make those noises where it’ll be really challenging," the southpaw added.

Latest News