The ailing Big Bash League has received a much-needed boost with confirmation David Warner will return after a 10-year absence.
The Sydney Thunder announced the signing of the 35-year-old left-handed blaster on Sunday.
The contract is for two seasons, but it's not specified how many games Warner is committing to. The club says he should be available "for as many as five" following his duties with the Australian team.
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The Sydney Morning Herald reports Warner will be paid upwards of $70,000 per appearance in the green kit.
The contract is also a marketing deal, with Cricket Australia desperate to retain its biggest stars amid the threat of poaching from a new Twenty20 league in the UAE and one in South Africa.
Chris Lynn - the BBL's runs record holder - is in danger of ditching the Australian competition to chase the overseas riches, while Steve Smith's manager has revealed his superstar batter is likely to skip the T20 league to focus on international commitments.
Warner's signing is significant as it provides an instantly-recognisable Aussie name and face for punters to associate with the BBL.
He is the first contracted CA player to be paid for marketing specifically.
Warner has not played in the BBL since 2013, and has only ever played three matches in total.
"I'm really excited to get back to the Big Bash with the club where I started," Warner said.
"I care deeply about the game, and I am conscious that the conditions that I enjoy as a professional cricketer have largely come from other senior players who have come before me.
"That is how the game is structured and I understand that my contribution to the future of the BBL will hopefully benefit the next generation of players long after I am retired."
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The ailing Big Bash League has received a much-needed boost with confirmation David Warner will return after a 10-year absence.
The Sydney Thunder announced the signing of the 35-year-old left-handed blaster on Sunday.
The contract is for two seasons, but it's not specified how many games Warner is committing to. The club says he should be available "for as many as five" following his duties with the Australian team.
READ MORE: 'Ludicrous' decision mars heavyweight boxing thriller
READ MORE: Week from hell leaves Bombers coach in tears
READ MORE: 'Deplorable' NRL teams slammed by Gould
The Sydney Morning Herald reports Warner will be paid upwards of $70,000 per appearance in the green kit.
The contract is also a marketing deal, with Cricket Australia desperate to retain its biggest stars amid the threat of poaching from a new Twenty20 league in the UAE and one in South Africa.
Chris Lynn - the BBL's runs record holder - is in danger of ditching the Australian competition to chase the overseas riches, while Steve Smith's manager has revealed his superstar batter is likely to skip the T20 league to focus on international commitments.
Warner's signing is significant as it provides an instantly-recognisable Aussie name and face for punters to associate with the BBL.
He is the first contracted CA player to be paid for marketing specifically.
Warner has not played in the BBL since 2013, and has only ever played three matches in total.
"I'm really excited to get back to the Big Bash with the club where I started," Warner said.
"I care deeply about the game, and I am conscious that the conditions that I enjoy as a professional cricketer have largely come from other senior players who have come before me.
"That is how the game is structured and I understand that my contribution to the future of the BBL will hopefully benefit the next generation of players long after I am retired."
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
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