Steve Smith and David Warner have made significant moves in their careers by signing multi-year deals with the Sydney franchises for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 season.
Steve Smith has inked a three-year contract with the Sydney Sixers, keeping him with the franchise until at least the end of the BBL|16 season. Smith, a two-time BBL champion, has been a key player for the Sixers since the league’s inception.
Meanwhile, David Warner has signed a two-year deal with the Sydney Thunder, marking a new chapter in his BBL career. This will be the first time in his illustrious career that Warner will be available for the entire BBL season following his retirement from international cricket.
Steve Smith’s Three-Year Deal with Sydney Sixers
Steve Smith has committed to a three-year contract with the Sydney Sixers, which will keep him with the team until at least the end of the 2026-27 season.
This decision follows his successful stint in the Major League Cricket (MLC), where he led the Washington Freedom to a championship victory.
Smith’s performance in the previous BBL season was notable, as he scored consecutive centuries and played a pivotal role in the Sixers reaching the final.
Despite his signing, there is a caveat: Smith is expected to miss the first half of the BBL season due to international commitments, as Australia will be engaged in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India from November 22 to January 7. The BBL season kicks off on December 15 and runs until January 27.
Rachael Haynes, General Manager of the Sixers, expressed her enthusiasm about Smith’s commitment, stating, “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.”.
David Warner’s Two-Year Contract with Sydney Thunder
On the other hand, David Warner has signed a two-year deal with the Sydney Thunder. This contract marks a new chapter for Warner, who has retired from international cricket and will now be available for the entire BBL season for the first time in his career. Previously, Warner’s participation in the league was limited due to international commitments, having played only eight matches over the last two seasons.
Warner expressed his excitement about returning to the Thunder, saying, “I’ve always been part of the Thunder. I liked the environment last year, 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.”
Trent Copeland, General Manager of the Thunder, highlighted Warner’s importance to the team, noting, “In Davey, we get a world-class talent with almost 20 years of T20 experience, and now that he has retired from international cricket, we can count on his full focus and commitment for the entire tournament, including the finals.”
Implications for the BBL
The signings of Smith and Warner are set to elevate the profile of the BBL and generate excitement among fans. Their presence is expected to enhance the competitive landscape of the league, particularly during matchups between the Sixers and Thunder.
As both players bring extensive experience and skill to their teams, the upcoming season is anticipated to be thrilling, with fans eagerly awaiting their performances on the field.
