Cricket Australia Limit Big Bash Opportunities For Best Players

The fourth season of the T20 Big Bash League has been a mammoth success as the tournament grows from strength to strength. Electric entertainment has seen crowd numbers increase almost 20% and it seems people just can’t get enough of one of the hottest sporting tickets in town. International stars come to our shores to get involved while past Australian champions also play the game’s shortest format. However our current crop of top players are often limited to the occasional appearance due to commitments with the Australian Side. The hugely successful T20 competition clashes with Australia’s international summer of cricket and it’s unlikely either schedule will be altered. So while we would love to see the likes of Dave Warner wielding the bat in multiple big bash games… the match made in heaven will likely remain a distant dream.

International Cricket Comes Before the Big Bash League

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland has made no secret that Australia’s international cricket season is priority number one. The home campaign is often squeezed between away tours and its place in the season schedule is firmly locked away. Referring to our top players’ presence in the Big Bash Sutherland said

“At times we’ll try and create a little window for them to play a game or two.”

But he believes the Big Bash League doesn’t suffer from not having those players involved, while TV figures and crowd numbers surrounding the competition would suggest he has a point. The Big Bash League is its own individual and unique competition in Australia and many are enjoying everything it offers, with it being the only form of cricket some spectators watch. Speaking on whether it could be moved to a different date Sutherland was adamant it’s played at the perfect time.

“We certainly subscribe to the view this is the best time of the year to play it. Kids, mums and dads are on holiday and it is a pretty relaxed environment. It fits beautifully with the summer lifestyle where people can either go to games or watch it on television.”

Brilliant Big Bash Attracting Superstars

While Australia’s top names may be missing, the Big Bash has no trouble attracting world renowned cricketers past and present. This year saw the likes of former England guns Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen join the fun. And while they were 2 men the nation loved to hate when the pair were dominating the Ashes, they’ve pleased plenty of punters in BBL season 4. South African superstar Jacques Kallis has blasted the boundaries in his first crack at the comp while West Indian wonders Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and the cool Chris Gayle have all entertained since the tournament’s inception in 2011. Of course numerous former Australian players have come out of retirement to have a go; none bigger than the spin king Shane Warne.

So while the T20 Tournament will continue to coincide with Australia’s international summer it doesn’t appear anyone is really too bothered. For now fans are simply enjoying the excitement, and of that… there is loads!