Mitchell Johnson reportedly joined the new league, but later withdrew.GETTY IMAGES
Cricket Australia "will not allow any domestic players to play in a new Emirates T20 league," but may find its own Big Bash League "struggling" to attract int'l talent with the rival tournament "offering more than twice the money for half the work," according to Peter Lalor of THE AUSTRALIAN. Australian cricket’s "attempts to circle the wagons and prevent its talent from taking part is understandable" given the UAE T20x "lands in the middle of the BBL." The new competition will feature five franchises in 22 matches over 24 days from Dec. 19-Jan. 11 and is offering contracts of almost A$500,000 ($363,175). This year’s extended BBL runs from Dec. 19-Feb. 17 with eight franchises playing 59 games. The BBL pays its top players around A$150,000 ($108,950). The new UAE league attempted to lure David Warner and Steve Smith "without success." The new league, which is run by the Emirates Cricket Board, claims the England, West Indies and New Zealand boards "all offered their support." Players have to request a No Objection Certificate from their boards to compete in approved tournaments. CA will not grant them to any domestic player to protect the BBL. Mitchell Johnson, who agreed to a contract rumoured to be worth more than $300,000 to play in the tournament, but later withdrew, said the T20x will force the BBL to up its pay. Johnson: “I think it’s a threat. Not from an Australian’s point of view but getting international players definitely. They’re throwing some good money around for a shorter tournament" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 9/20).
