Chris Lynn bags biggest million dollar pay deal in BBL history

Explosive Queensland batsman, Chris Lynn, has penned a five-year million-dollar deal with the BBL franchise Brisbane Heat. Lynn’s contract is said to be the biggest pay deal ever signed in the tournament’s history. The big hitter is currently recovering from a shoulder surgery but hopes to return for BBL 2017-18 and also Australia’s post Ashes one-day and T20is in the summer. Lynn bags $1 million deal and it’s termed as ‘The biggest deal in BBL history’

Lynn has represented Heat since 2011 and is one of the most sought-after players going around in not just the BBL but also across the globe. His decision to continue with the same franchise until the 2021-22 season will only boost their batting strength. Simultaneously, the franchise has also decided to renew contracts of Daniel Vettori, head coach, and Shane Bond, assistant coach, over a three-year period.

Lynn sustained a left shoulder injury while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in this year’s IPL and underwent a surgery in July. As a result, he was omitted from Queensland’s contract lift for the 2017-18 domestic season. Incidentally, his last one-day appearance for Queensland came four seasons ago and he featured in just one Sheffield Shield match last season.

Powerhouse, with or without injuries

Lynn’s luck with injuries has been terrible as reflected by the three shoulder injuries he has suffered during the last two years. Lynn had also noted that he perhaps needs to stop diving around in the field to ensure that he could play competitive cricket for a longer period of time.

Despite sustaining multiple shoulder injuries, Lynn continues to be a powerhouse for Heat’s batting line-up in the BBL as established by his average of 154.5 and at a strike rate of 177.58 last season. Lynn has also been the awardee for the BBL player of the year for two seasons in a row.

“I’ve had some good reports from the surgeon and the Queensland Cricket medical staff and we’re working to the recovery plan. It is feeling okay now, although there is still a way to go,” he said.

“I’m honoured that the Heat have shown confidence in me for the coming seasons and given us the opportunity to achieve something special as a club in the future,” Lynn added, as reported by Cricbuzz.

From Billy Slater to Brendon McCullum

Lynn, who found inspiration in Australian rugby football player Billy Slater’s comeback after a similar complaint regarding the shoulder, also mentioned his memorable experience to play alongside Heat’s captain, Brendon McCullum. It was under McCullum’s leadership that Heat reached the semifinals of the tournament last year. McCullum himself is recovering from a surgery intended to repair his broken arm.

Even then, Lynn was playing the BBL with a troubled shoulder with around 50-60% overall fitness. He may not return to 100% fitness after this surgery but he insists that it is good enough to play BBL and cricket in general.

“To be in the same side as a legend like Brendon McCullum and enjoy some success along the way made it even more memorable,” he said. “The fact we have locked-up Vettori and Bond and a good proportion of our squad for the next few years bodes well for the future,” he added.

“The Heat has evolved into a club for all Queensland fans and we’re determined to make a success of the opportunity we have ahead of us. It was one of the best experiences of my career to play in front of five sold-out home crowds at the Gabba,” he observed.