Cricket fans in Melbourne could face an agonising decision over which
team to support in the Big Bash League, and Shane Warne’s potentially
the man to blame.
That’s the view of Cricket Australia chief
James Sutherland, who says the participation of the former Test world
record-holder would be a huge shot in the arm for the revamped domestic
Twenty20 league.
The state-based competition has been replaced
by a city-based event, and Victoria’s two sides this summer will be the
Melbourne Stars and the Melbourne Renegades.
Renegades chairman
James Brayshaw and Stars chairman Eddie McGuire are both keen to
attract the charismatic cricketing icon to their respective teams for
the December-January tournament.
“I’d welcome his participation in the Big Bash League,” Sutherland told reporters on Wednesday.
“It would be great to see him coming in and playing for one of the Melbourne teams.
“Many
fans in Melbourne would have a difficult decision to make as to which
side they go with. That would be a determinant for a lot of people.”
Warne, who turns 42 on September 13, has been in England doing TV cricket commentary in recent months.
He said in Melbourne earlier this week that his busy lifestyle meant committing to a new playing contract could be difficult.
“There is probably a possibility that I might play,” Warne told Radio 3AW.
“I
might be involved in some level on the Twenty20 but I am sort of
mulling over those things at the moment with some business
opportunities and sponsorship.
“It (BBL) is a good initiative from Cricket Australia. I’m just weighing those things up with scheduling.
“Being
divorced, with the children, juggling schedules, it’s difficult to give
time-wise. My ex, Simone, and I are trying to work out what’s the best
combination to have the children, they’re our No.1 priority. To try and
juggle all the scheduling, sponsorship and all those sorts of things,
that will come into the decision.”