In a major blow to the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League, star attraction Steve Smith has opted out of the marquee league. Smith was due to turn up for Sydney Sixers. The decision comes in the wake of growing concerns of players’ burnout inside extended bio-secure bubbles.

Currently, Smith is in the UAE plying his trade for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. This is his second back-to-back bubble experience, flying straight from one he was part of in England during Australia’s limited-overs series. Soon after IPL ends, home series against India starts on November 27 – barely 14 days after reaching Australia.

Steve Smith out of BBL

It also includes a strict quarantining period as well which is going to be a massive task for the players, mentally. Unlike the 2019-20 season, where Steve Smith joined the Sydney Sixers to take them to victory, they’re going to have to defend their title without his services. The former Aussie skipper has ruled himself out, categorically.

“I’ll be honest with you – absolutely no chance,” Smith said during an interview with News Corp as part of a promotional campaign with Lifebouy for the Rajasthan Royals. 

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Speaking more of the bio bubble, Steve Smith pointed out that this is still the early days. The talismanic run-scorer mentioned that it is important that players can have open conversations with the support staffs to be in the right head space.

“It’s still early days with the bubbles. We don’t know how long it’s going to last for. There’s an uncertainty there. It’s just going to be about having open conversations with coaches, general managers, whoever, to ensure that people are keeping their head space in a reasonable place,” he added.