Adam Gilchrist is excited that David Warner could be back playing in the BBL this summer – but warned his arrival could create a “headache” for Cricket Australia.
Peter Lalor from The Australian has reported that Warner is close to signing for the Sydney Thunder on a deal that could make him the highest paid player in the BBL.
With the 35-year-old closing in on a lucrative BBL return worth a reported $340,000, should the competition’s long-serving stars demand a pay increase?
“He (Warner) is potentially going to play a handful of games – that’s wonderful for our tournament, for our broadcast, for the spectators, for everyone,” Gilchrist said on SEN’s Whateley.
“It creates a headache, a definite headache, and they (Cricket Australia) are clearly aware of it, for the guys like (Glenn) Maxwell and (Marcus) Stoinis and co who have been absolute stalwarts of the Big Bash, having managed to initially let it rise and then keep it alive in the last few years.
“Will they be getting more? Is there a war chest there that they can top up and then how do you consider each individual applicant, if you like, of the Australian talent that’s looking for extra money?
“But it’s a positive step.”
Subscribe to the SEN YouTube channel for the latest videos!
One of the BBL’s box office performers appears set to sign for a franchise in the inaugural T20 league in the United Arab Emirates.
Destructive T20 batsman Chris Lynn has agreed to join the UAE with players set to earn up to $700,000 for the five-week tournament.
Lynn is without a BBL club after parting ways with the Brisbane Heat in May.
Gilchrist says the 32-year-old should be allowed to play in the UAE if he doesn’t have an Australian cricket contract.
“I still don’t quite understand how Chris Lynn can be denied the opportunity to go and play in the UAE,” Gilchrist said.
“Perhaps if he signs with a Big Bash team, maybe because he’s an Australian under an Australian contracting system, they might deny it.
“But I don’t understand how they can have a hold on him if he doesn’t play in the Big Bash but goes over to the UAE.
“He’s not on a contract in any way shape or form in Australian cricket at the moment I am led to believe, so I’m not sure how they can have a hold on him.”
SEN host Gerard Whateley added: “It doesn’t make much sense on the outside.”
Lynn, the highest run-scorer in BBL history, was one of 54 international cricketers named to play in the new UAE T20 competition.