Smith and Warner absence leaves a marketing vacuum Sponsors miss stars
Sat September 1 Sat September 1 Sat September 1 Sat September 1 Sat September 1 Sat September 1 Sat September 1 Sat September 1 7.00PM 7.00PM 7.00PM 7.00PM 3.00PM 3.00PM 3.00PM THE drop in star power donning the baggy green this summer has led to at least one Cricket Australia sponsor trying to use banned captain Steve Smith.
CA has confirmed one of their corporate partners inquired about using Smith in promotional material, but the Townsville Bulletin understands there may have been another sounding out the former skipper as well.
Sponsors have been told they can enter into a separate arrangement with Smith himself, but the fact he doesn’t have a cricket contract excludes him from use under any partnership agreements with CA.
It’s understood Domain was one of two companies to sound out Smith, but CA denies more than one sponsor had him on their wish list.
Smith’s manager Warren Craig has declined to comment.
Smith’s individual deals with CA sponsors Weet- Bix and the Commonwealth Bank were ended in the wake of the ball- tampering scandal.
However, overall the public mood towards Smith and David Warner has been softening.
Some CA partners have already shot promotional material with players but other advertising shoots Brothers Burdekin Saints Wulguru Brothers Burdekin Wulguru Saints V V V V V V V MA Olympic Rebels Ingham Warriors MA Olympic Rebels Warriors Bye are due over the next two weeks.
The void left by Smith and Warner in the batting order is immense, but the loss of their marketability is also profound.
Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon shape as the most in- demand stars for official partners, but CA says others have been requested who are unavailable due to commitments overseas with Australia A in India or English county cricket.
“We try to work with our partners in the best way possible to deliver the players they request,” said a CA spokesman.
“In regards to the banned players, as they are not CA contracted players, partners are welcome to contact their agents direct to look at engagement in that way.”
One of either Smith or Warner would have featured in most of the promotional material for CA sponsors over recent years.
There are other potential marketing stars, however, the uncertainty surrounding what the Australian team might look like come the summer can impact on the corporates who may not want players featuring who aren’t in the XI.
Australia’s bankable stars for the summer are the bowling attack and captain Tim Paine. Hi Vista Park International Park Aitkenvale Park Wulguru Park Hi Vista Park International Park Wulguru Park