BBL 2019-20: Andre Russell passes on Melbourne Renegades deal

Andre Russell, the 31-year-old West Indies all-rounder, won’t be turning out in the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). The Jamaican was in discussion with the Melbourne Renegades about filling one of the clubs import slots in the T20 tournament. However, it has now been learned that the parties were unable to reach a commercial agreement for his services.

The Renegades, who were led by Aaron Finch, are the defending champions and Russell’s inclusion would have bolstered their lineup both from the batting and bowling viewpoint. He has previously represented the Renegades five years ago. Back in 2016-17, he played for the Sydney Thunder and hence, the Australian crowd his pretty aware of the damage he can inflict.

Andre Russell set to play the BPL

As per reports in The Age, Russell will now ply his craft in the 2019-20 edition of the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), which is set to get underway on December 11. Russell will play for the Rajshahi Royals in the T20 extravaganza. As far as the Renegades are concerned, they boast of the likes of Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi and Englishman Harry Gurney.

Both Nabi and Gurney played key roles in the Renegades triumph last time around. Further overseas signings could yet be announced. The franchise has also roped in Shaun Marsh as an off-season recruit. The left-handed Marsh used to play for the Perth Scorchers. Michael Klinger, who retired from BBL cricket earlier this year, has been roped in as the Renegades coach.

Cricket Australia (CA) have been trying to bring in more overseas players after the average crowd fell by 6000 in the last season. Dale Steyn and AB de Villiers will turn out for the Melbourne Stars and Brisbane Heat respectively. Steve Smith will be donning the Sydney Sixers’ jersey. The Renegades opening match is against the Thunder on December 19 at the Simonds Ground in Geelong.

After their triumphant run, there would be a lot of expectations from Aaron Finch and the Renegades. In the final last year, they beat the Melbourne Stars by 13 runs at the Docklands Stadium to get their hands on the trophy for the maiden instance. The victory came after the Stars batting imploded, getting reduced from 93 for no loss to 112 for seven in 29 balls.