David Warner signs a blockbuster deal with Sydney Thunder

image-l72fe6rxDavid Warner set to play for Sydney Thunder in BBL 2022-23

The swashbuckling batter David Warner has signed a two-year deal with Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL). 

Warner is set to return to BBL after a hiatus of nine years. He last featured for Sydney Sixers in the third edition of the tournament. 

So far, the southpaw has played only three BBL matches and slammed 152 runs at a lavish strike rate of 180.95, with a top score of 102*. 


The 35-year-old is set to remain available for at least five matches of BBL 12 following the Sydney Test against South Africa. 

Recently, he was reported to be playing in the UAE-based International League T20 (ILT20) from January-February. However, the initial signings of ILT20 and this latest deal have put all speculations to rest. 

Cricket Australia is set to bear the extra remuneration of Warner's salary, outside Thunder's $1.9m cap.

Warner hopes to contribute to BBL's success 

"My 'girls' have told me that they'd love to watch me play at home and in the BBL," Warner said. 

"It will be great for us to be a part of the BBL as a family, and it is something that I am really looking forward to sharing with them.

"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."

Participation of Key Australian Players in BBL 12

Recently,  the regular red-ball cricketers Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne inked deals with Adelaide Strikers and Brisbane Heat respectively for the BBL 2022-23. 

However, Steve Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green and Scott Boland are other few centrally contracted cricketers without any BBL deals.  

Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have already opted to miss the home-grown T20 League to manage their fitness ahead of jam-packed international schedule. 

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