The launch of a new six-team T20 tournament in the United Arab Emirates is set to clash with Big Bash League.
The inaugural UAE T20 League is set to take place between January 6 and February 12 in 2023, meaning it will run at the same time as the BBL, the Bangladesh Premier League and a new franchise-based tournament in South Africa.
Top players are reportedly set to be offered up to $300,000 tax free, with each team to have a salary cap of around $2 million.
It could have a detrimental impact on the BBL, which has declined in popularity in recent seasons.
The owners of Indian Premier League sides Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals have bought a franchise in UAE league.
“The global picture of cricket is so interesting,” Gerard Whateley told SEN’s Whateley.
“And the announcement of a rich T20 tournament in the United Arab Emirates, which is in direct competition for the bulk of the BBL, and what that might do to the pool of international players.
“I would think this sends a tremor through those at Cricket Australia.”
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Australian cricket great Adam Gilchrist fears the riches of the UAE tournament could lure local and international players away from the BBL.
“What are the concerns for the UAE tournament?” Gilchrist asked.
“Clearly first of all taking international talent in that period that is the Big Bash period.
“The main headline acts will be lured to the UAE because they’ll get anywhere between $300,000 to $500,000 for a three-week commitment compared to the top salary I believe in the Big Bash ever has been somewhere around $200,000 and that was for Chris Lynn, who funnily enough will be the No.1 target for the UAE organisation.
“There’s the overseas talent pool that will be somewhat decimated and then they’ll start attacking the Australian players.
“As far I’m concerned or can see, a guy like David Warner who’s on a Cricket Australia contract, even though he’s saying I’m not going to play Big Bash because I don’t want to, if gets lured by $500,000 or even $750,000 in January this year, if he doesn’t sign up with a Big Bash franchise, he still needs to get a no-objection certificate from Cricket Australia to go and play in an another tournament, and I wouldn’t think Cricket Australia would be forthcoming with that.
“Whilst ever there’s players that are in the Australian system and on contracts – be at state or national – they’re going to find it hard to go elsewhere.
“But Chris Lynn is the prime example at the moment. He’s been left off a Big Bash list, others are wanting him but he’s holding off and if he’s not on a state or a Big Bash contract, he’s free to roam wherever he likes.”
Gilchrist says Cricket Australia must find a solution in the schedule to make sure Australian internationals can play in the BBL.
“If they (CA) feel it’s that important, they have to have the Australian talent playing in the entire tournament. That’s the way you get buy-in from crowds, TV, broadcasters,” he said.
“Who knows what’s going to happen if the player talent pool goes even lower than what it’s been because of these other tournaments.
“Big, big questions for Australian cricket and it’s the board that needs to get their philosophy right on which way they want to go.”
The BBL salary cap is currently $1.9 million for each franchise.