Steve Smith and David Warner sign multi-year deals with Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder respectively ahead of BBL 2024-25
Steve Smith and David Warner have tied down their futures with the two Sydney franchises in the Big Bash League (BBL) ahead of the 2024-25 edition. Smith has signed a three-year deal with the Sixers following his heroics in the 2024 Major League Cricket (MLC) for the Washington Freedom. Warner, on the other hand, now devoid of international commitments, has agreed to a two-year deal with Sydney Thunder.
Smith turned up for the Sydney Sixers during the break in the international calendar during the Australian home season. The right-handed batter availed the opportunity to open the innings for the franchise during the 2022-23 edition, where he scored consecutive hundreds. He was also part of the team that made it to the final, where he played two matches and scored 61 runs.
The former skipper's availability for the first half of the upcoming season might be an issue, with Australia set to host the Border-Gavaskar series from November 22 to January 7. The BBL season is scheduled from December 15 to January 27.
“It’s fantastic news to have Steve commit to the club for the next three years. He’s one of the best players in the world and we know just how excited our members and fans will be to see him in pink in the coming seasons," Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes said (via Sydney Sixers' official website).
“Steve is a proven performer in this format and he’s in outstanding white-ball form at the moment, leading Washington Freedom to their first title in Major League Cricket last month," she added.
Smith had earlier expressed disappointment at not being included in Australia's squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, he made the perfect statement after leading the Washington Freedom to the MLC title and ending the tournament as the joint second-highest run-getter.
David Warner available to play the entire BBL 2024-25
After retiring from all formats of international cricket, David Warner has a clear schedule during the Australian summer and will feature for the Sydney Thunder for the entirety of the 2024-25 season.
Before retiring, the explosive opening batter could play a handful of matches per season at best due to international commitments. He did not feature in the competition for nine consecutive editions and made a return in 2023. Warner has played eight matches over the last two years.
"I've always been part of the Thunder. I really liked the environment last year (at the Thunder), I gelled back with the boys and I just love playing cricket. This upcoming season is hopefully going to be a better one than last year," Warner said in a statement released by the Sydney Thunder.
Warner is also committed to play for the Dubai Capitals in the International League T20 (ILT20), which is scheduled from January 11 to February 9. He also has to shuffle broadcasting duties as he signed a deal with Fox Sports after retirement.