PAK vs AUS: David Warner Opts For ILT20 Over West Indies White-Ball Series
Published - 28 Dec 2023, 06:14 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:24 AM
Veteran opener David Warner is anticipated to skip the white-ball segment of the West Indies’ tour of Australia in February. David Warner is set to feature in the next edition of the International League T20 (ILT20) after retiring from Test cricket in Sydney next week.
David Warner is expected to participate in the BBL for Sydney Thunder, with uncertainty regarding his availability for the finals if Thunder qualifies. The Southpaw will represent the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, scheduled from January 20 to the final on February 18.
The Pat Cummins-led team will face the West Indies in a two-match series, with the first Test set to commence in Adelaide on January 17. Following the Test series, Australia will play in a white-ball series, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is from February 2 to 13.
David Warner Is Pretty Committed To The BBL – Todd Greenberg
The chief executive of the Australian Cricketers’ Association, Todd Greenberg, expects David Warner to seek an NOC for participation in the ILT20. Greenberg acknowledged the evolving landscape and the necessity to embrace flexibility in player availability.
“I think the short answer to that is probably yes. I know he’s pretty committed to the BBL,” Greenberg told SEN when asked if Warner would likely miss some home cricket.
“There’s no doubt in the next phase of Dave’s life he’s going to be looking to ply his trade where he gets the best return on his investment. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, in fact I’m encouraging him to do that.”
“There will be times where he’ll be looking to miss certain games and tours. That’s the sort of flexibility we’ve got to get our heads around. Some people won’t like that, but that’s the modern world of which we’re living in and we have to embrace it.”
As per an ESPNCricinfo report, the selectors had planned that Warner and other senior players might sit out the series against the West Indies. However, they want to field a full-strength side for New Zealand T20Is as part of the preparation for the World Cup 2024.
The management and selectors recognize the IPL as a crucial element in the T20 World Cup preparation, especially for players like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who have secured deals. The World Cup will be played a few days after the conclusion of the IPL 2024.
Won’t Be Taking A Contract – David Warner
During the recent World Cup, David Warner announced his decision not to accept a Cricket Australia central contract next year. Warner highlighted the challenges associated with the contractual system in the later stages of his career.
“I won’t be taking a contract, definitely not. How the system works in Australia is that if you play five [T20] games or ODIs, or three Tests, you get upgraded and then you’re legally bound by contracting system with sponsors and stuff,” Warner said.
“That’s something that becomes a bit of a pain in the backside, especially at my stage of my career. So I don’t want to be signed to that agreement and that’s something I have to think about moving forward, because if you’re going to get a low contract, it’s going to cost you a lot in the long run with sponsorships.”
Also read: AUS vs PAK: David Warner Breaks Steve Waugh’s Record To Become 2nd Leading Run Getter For Australia
