Desert lure for outlaw Aussies

STEVE Smith and David Warner are likely to be targeted by a new Twenty20 start-up in the United Arab Emirates, which has the potential to cause Cricket Australia consternation given it will clash with the Big Bash League.

The BBL has traditionally owned the months of December and January on the T20 league calendar, ensuring it attracts talent from around the world. A new challenger has emerged in UAE T20x, a tournament backed by the Emirates Cricket Board and slated to run from December 19 to January 11.

The proposed competition, which is seeking sponsors and franchise owners, released dates and other details this week. It’s yet to contract any players but Smith and Warner haven’t mapped out their summer plans.

The prospect of the banned superstars batting in Dubai, while Test teammates face India and the extended BBL season unfolds, is far from unthinkable. Former Test spearhead Mitchell Johnson has already retired from the BBL, citing the expanded season length, and intends to join the UAE league.

Smith and Warner will play grade cricket in Sydney but that competition’s mid-season break is December 23 to January 11.

Cricket Australia is yet to broach the dilemma that would be Smith and/or Warner wanting to join UAE T20x.

BBL boss Kim McConnie isn’t worried about the prospect of Smith and Warner stealing eyeballs if they play in the new league.

“Australia’s big international stars have very rarely played Big Bash,” McConnie said.

“Other things might be happening around the world, that’s the nature of cricket. But what people love about Big Bash is that 7pm every night they can turn the TV on and watch.”