De Villiers will need CA cash to join Bash
CRICKET Australia may need to delve into its own coffers to lure South African superstar AB de Villiers to Australia, with the Brisbane Heat vying with a pack of clubs for his prized signature.
De Villiers’ manager has contacted Cricket Australia to express interest in playing in next season’s Big Bash.
At this stage there are only two certainties … he would not stay for the full two-month tournament and he would not come cheap.
The type of financial challenge that Big Bash clubs face to lure de Villiers to Australia was reinforced when he bypassed last season’s competition to play in the Bangladesh Premier League, where he was paid more than $200,000 for a short season.
Many high-profile Big Bash stars get no more than $150,000 for twice as much work.
At a recent meeting of Big Bash and state bosses it was agreed the competition needed more star power and every effort must be made to entice players such as de Villiers.
The Heat have been interested in de Villiers for several seasons but face stiff opposition, particularly from powerful Sydney and Melbourne-based teams.
It is not common for Cricket Australia to top up overseas player contracts but under special circumstances it has been done.
It is likely the successful bidder – if there is one – will also need third-party support such as a television deal to make the figure appealing enough for de Villiers to come to Australia.
De Villiers, 35, is seen as one of the greatest players of his generation.