Mitch to ditch BBL as Arabs splash the cash
THE Big Bash’s stranglehold on the home summer has been sensationally challenged for the first time by Townsville product Mitchell Johnson’s $ 350,000 defection to a rival Twenty20 League.
Test great Adam Gilchrist wrote last week in his News Corp column that Cricket Australia’s decision to extend the BBL by several weeks would test the commitment of big name international stars who can pocket more money for less work elsewhere around the world.
Gilchrist’s prediction has immediately come to fruition with Johnson’s camp confirming that the inaugural United Arab Emirates Twenty20 League launching in direct competition to the BBL in December- January is more appealing to the fast bowling great than the Bash which runs for more than twice as long.
It is understood marquee players like Johnson will be paid $ 350,000 for just 24 days work in the UAE.
In the BBL, top player wages max at an estimated $ 250,000-$ 300,000 and this year’s tournament will run for seven weeks.
It’s understood the fledgling UAE League is also close to announcing the signings of T20 superstar Andre Russell and England captain Eoin Morgan to giant marquee deals.
Russell and Morgan have been two of the highest profile and successful international imports to have played in the BBL over recent seasons.
Cricket Australia haven’t expressed concerns about a rival league directly clashing with their season and are confident the foundations set by the BBL over the past eight years and the enticement of playing cricket in Australia will stand up against popup leagues.
Meanwhile, Steve Smith’s decision to join David Warner in signing on to play in the Caribbean Premier League will only add to a growing sentiment that the banned duo should be play- ing in the BBL if they’re allowed to promote other tournaments.
Thirteen out of 20 ex- Australian players interviewed by News Corp believe CA should allow Smith and Warner to play in the BBL, and 71 per cent of fans in a News Corp online poll agreed. However, CA insist they will not alter the 12- month bans they handed down for ball- tampering.
“At no stage have we or are we considering lessening the current sanctions,” said a spokesperson.
Player payments has never previously been an issue for the BBL, but it may now come into focus with a de- cent BBL wage around $ 150,000 under the salary cap.
It’s understood the British millionaire bankrolling the UAE League is waving the cheque book at global T20 stars and even below the marquee level, contracts will go for as much as $ 250,000 at the five franchises.