Shane Watson Urges CA to Allow Steven Smith And David Warner to Participate in BBL

Former Aussie all-rounder Shane Watson is of the opinion that Cricket Australia (CA) should allow suspended Australian cricketers, Steven Smith and David Warner, to take part in the Big Bash League (BBL).

Well, they are free to participate in any Twenty20 League outside Australia. The duo is currently plying their trade in the inaugural Global T20 Canada.

Interestingly, Smith is playing for the Toronto Nationals, David Warner is part of the Winnipeg Hawks squad. Meanwhile, Watson is also part of the squad.

Smith and Warner currently serving a one year ban:

Smith and Warner are serving a one year ban imposed on them by CA. The suspension was announced following their involvement in the ball tampering fiasco.

It unfolded in Cape Town around three months ago. However, despite their suspension, the players have the green signal to take part in any other T20 Leagues across the world.

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Watson was definitely one of the integral members of the limited-overs side during his heydays. He has expressed his disappointment at the fact that Smith and Warner are playing outside their country but are denied to play in their own country.

“The thing that just disappoints me about the whole situation is now Steve Smith and Dave Warner are over promoting other tournaments by playing in them,” Watson was quoted as saying by AAP on Friday.

The all-rounder was quite brilliant for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the grand finale against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He feels that the stern punishment handed to Smith, Warner and Bancroft was rather harsh.

The punishment was rather harsh, feels Shane Watson:

He further added that the trio had to pay an “extreme penalty” for their foul play.

“I understand the rulings that happened at Cricket Australia, the 12-month bans and all the stipulations they put around that. But for them to have the opportunity to go and promote other tournaments, I’d prefer if they’re going to do that and have access to do that [that] they have access to promote the Big Bash, for example,” Watson said.

“At the moment we’ve got a few world-class players. We will continue to discover those but they don’t just fall out of trees. That’s why Steve and Dave are such an integral part to Australian cricket, especially in the shorter format as well with the World Cup coming up,” Watson said.

Recently, Smith scored a fluent half-century in his comeback match while Warner was castled by Lasith Malinga for a solitary run.

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