Veteran opener David Warner is anticipated to skip the white-ball leg of the West Indies’ tour of Australia in February. David Warner will feature in the upcoming edition of the International T20 League (ILT20) after retiring from Test cricket in Sydney next week.
David Warner is expected to feature in the BBL for Sydney Thunder, with uncertainty over his availability for the finals if Thunder qualify. The left-hander will represent the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, scheduled from January 20 to the final on February 18.
The Pat Cummins-led team will take on the West Indies in a two-match series, with the first Test starting in Adelaide on January 17. After the Test series, Australia will play in a white-ball series, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is from February 2 to 13.
David Warner is quite committed to the BBL – Todd Greenberg
Australian Cricketers’ Association chief executive Todd Greenberg expects David Warner to seek an NOC to participate in ILT20. Greenberg acknowledged the evolving landscape and the need to embrace flexibility in player availability.
“I think the short answer is probably yes. I know he is quite committed to the BBL,” Greenberg told SEN when asked if Warner was likely to miss some home cricket.
“There is no doubt that in the next phase of Dave’s life he will look to ply his trade where he gets the best return on his investment. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that; in fact, I encourage you to do so.”
“There will be times when he will look to miss certain games and tours. That’s the kind of flexibility we have to understand. “Some people won’t like that, but that’s the modern world we live in and we have to accept it.”
According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, the selectors had planned that Warner and other senior players might sit out the series against the West Indies. However, they want to field a full-strength team for the New Zealand T20Is as part of the preparation for the 2024 World Cup.
The management and selectors recognize the IPL as a crucial element in the build-up to the T20 World Cup, especially for players like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who have secured deals. The World Cup will be played a few days after the completion of IPL 2024.
I will not accept a contract – David Warner
During the recent World Cup, David Warner announced his decision not to accept a Cricket Australia central contract next year. Warner highlighted the challenges associated with the contract system in the latter stages of his career.
“I will not accept any contract, definitely not. How the system works in Australia is that if you play five [T20] games or ODIs, or three Tests, they upgrade you and then you are legally bound by the contracting system with sponsors and so on,” Warner said.
“That’s something that becomes a pain in the back, especially at the stage of my career. So I don’t want to sign that deal and that’s something I have to think about moving forward, because if you’re going to get a low contract, it’s going to cost you a lot in the long run with sponsorships.”
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