Shane Watson disappointed as Steve Smith and David Warner promote overseas leagues

The Aussie board announced a 12-month ban on Steve Smith and David Warner earlier this year i.e they can’t feature in the upcoming international and domestic games including BBL. The banned Aussie duo David Warner and Steve Smith are currently a part of the inaugural Global T20 Canada tournament as Cricket Australia sanctions don’t stop the duo from playing overseas leagues.

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson feels that the banned duo should be allowed to play in the upcoming Big Bash League. The retired legend finds the whole situation illogical as he would rather let the duo to promote an Aussie league rather than an overseas league.

“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 cricket.com.au. “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,” he added.

Steve Smith made a brilliant comeback to competitive cricket as he smashed a 41-ball 61-run knock to help his side Toronto Nationals win by 6 wickets over Vancouver Knights in the opening game of the inaugural Global T20 Canda on Thursday. The 37-year-old Watson termed Smith and Warner an integral part of Australian cricket going into next year’s ICC World Cup.

“At the moment we’ve got a few world-class players and we’ll 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,” added Watson.