Cricket News: Cricket Australia's attempt to sign big names fails as Steve Smith rejects offers

However, they haven't had much success, with Steve Smith becoming the latest player to turn down an invitation to play in the league on home soil. The 33-year-old has stated that he is reluctant to join the Sydney Sixers.

Warren Craig, Smith's manager, recently issued a statement in response to his client's refusal to sign with the league. "For the time being, he has opted not to commit." A lot more cricket is coming up, said Craig on Thursday to domestic media sources.

This comes just after David Warner expressed interest in joining the Sixers' cross-town rivals, the Sydney Thunder, giving the BBL some much-needed box-office appeal.

Warner has received the same lucrative deal that has allowed Cricket Australia to maintain the likes of Shane Warne, Shane Watson, and others on Australian shores, playing in the BBL throughout its inaugural phase.

According to reports, Warner will walk away with a deal for at least $340,000, which is the same contract that has been offered to some of the league's top off-shore prospects. Although Thunder will pay the majority of Warner's wages, Cricket Australia will pay a portion of it as well.

Cricket Australia is currently under pressure from the newly formed Indian-backed T20 leagues in South Africa and the UAE, whose dates will clash with the BBL in January.

The governing board appears to be moving to invest $8 million in the league in order to entice abroad players. The CA could face difficulties, though, given the passing time.

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