Reports: David Warner to miss inaugural ILT20 in favor of BBL

Australian star opening batter David Warner’s appearance in the inaugural edition of the UAE International League T20 (ILT20) in January is uncertain, as the latest reports in Australia suggest that the explosive southpaw is set to feature in the Big Bash League (BBL) for the first time since 2013 after opening negotiations with Cricket Australia (CA).

Earlier this week it was announced by David Warner’s manager that both parties were working on a potential deal for the upcoming BBL season. Warner, who is contracted to the CA, does not have a BBL deal and was adamant about playing in the ILT20, which commences after the conclusion of Australia’s Test series against South Africa.

It is worth noting that the veteran Aussie batter had applied for a no-objection certificate (NOC), seeking permission to play in the cash-rich UAE league while skipping the BBL. His participation in the recently announced league was looking increasingly likely since he is a part of IPL side Delhi Capitals, who owns the ILT20 team, Dubai Capitals.

The UAE-based league has caused a stir among foreign players with its lucrative deals, along with a shorter tournament, in comparison to the BBL. It has handed players like David Warner a huge bargaining chip against the CA in terms of increasing their salary caps. The top contracts in the BBL for Australian players are estimated to be around AUD$ 190,000 (US$ 132,000 approx.), which is almost half of what the ILT20 is offering.

CA are looking to increase its offers significantly to keep hold of its top talents for the BBL

Some of the country’s global T20 stars like Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa, Aaron Finch, and Tim David all have BBL deals and are discontent over the CA’s decision to offer AUD$ 340,000 (US$ 236,000 approx.) to top overseas players, nominated in the draft.

The CA will have to negotiate a deal that is closer to the offerings to ‘platinum’ category overseas players to keep their highly-rated Aussie players tied to the domestic T20 competition, which is facing legal troubles from broadcast partners Channel Seven over breach of quality, pertaining to the BBL