In between the Indian Premier League, we have a development coming in from Big Bash League. English batsmen Johnny Bairstow is all set to turn for the Melbourne Stars side in the upcoming Big Bash League. The wicket-keeper Batsmen from England is also a part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise in the Indian Premier League.
Other than Bairstow, his national side companion Dawid Malan has also signed up for the Hobart Hurricanes franchise for the upcoming BBL season.
Bairstow to play for Melbourne Stars in BBL 2020-21
Many reports suggest that the English players like Johnny Bairstow are more in demand due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since franchises are looking to increase contracts for overseas signings by exceeding the contract beyond £100,000.
“English players are in demand with the eight Big Bash franchises as the competition looks to offset the loss of its homegrown players to international bubbles this coming winter by increasing contracts for overseas signings beyond £100,000 via the use of central funds,” according to the Daily Mail report.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma’s Tweet On KL Rahul Takes Twitter By A Storm
Also, the Cricket Australia board have appointed Trent Woodhill as a player acquisition consultant so the BBL features more of overseas players. Woodhill would work on the negotiation part for the acquisition of overseas players in the competition.
“Cricket Australia have appointed Trent Woodhill as a player acquisition consultant in a bid to attract the highest calibre of imports possible – Woodhill was recently with the Australian team as batting coach on the limited-overs tour of England,” he added.
Among other England players, Tom Banton and Liam Livingstone are part of other BBL franchises. On the other hand, Jason Roy would be turning up for Perth Scorchers while Joe Denly is in negotiation with Melbourne Renegades.
The 2020 BBL season is set to kick off from December 3, with the Adelaide Strikers set to take on Melbourne Renegades in the opening fixture of the season.