According to rumours, David Warner is poised to officially confirm his long-awaited return to the Big Bash League by signing with the Sydney Thunder.
The Age reports that the highly sought-after Australian opener might sign with the western Sydney club as early as this Saturday, marking his return to the domestic competition after a year-long absence.
The value of Warner’s contract is anticipated to be at least $340,000, which is the same sum paid to the best international competitors in the competition’s opening round. Usman Khawaja, who switched to the Brisbane Heat, will be replaced by the left-handed pitcher. Warner was previously said to be in talks to participate in the UAE’s first ILT20.
Warner was given the chance to reenter the BBL because South Africa pulled out of an ODI series that was scheduled to take place in January.
According to The Age, Warner was one of many contractual Australian players who got offers of up to $650,000 to take part in the UAE start-up.
But in Warner’s case, that outcome was avoided, which is a significant victory for the Big Bash.
Warner will be available for five BBL games when Australia’s three-Test series against South Africa ends in Sydney in early January.
Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa, Aaron Finch, and Tim David are prominent Australian T20 players with BBL contracts.
Warner’s manager, James Erskine, had told the Sydney Morning Herald that talks to have Warner participate in the BBL with CA and the Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) were ongoing.
Despite the fact that they do not yet have contracts, players like Steve Smith and Pat Cummings might also participate in the BBL.