Cricket News: UAE T20 - New Zealand and Cricket Australia Board new contract to prevent an exodus

With all cricket boards worldwide identifying their domestic T20 leagues as vehicles for commercial growth, the cricket world is going through a churn with players being wooed by different leagues.

T20 League in UAE to pay big money to top players 

The UAE-based league entitled "International League T20 (ILT20)" is set to offer a whopping amount of $450,000 per season to the top contracted players, making it the second most lucrative cricketing event after the Indian Premier League.

The considerable amount will probably leave the league with a salary cap of $2.5 million per team. The highest player salary in the IPL is significantly higher: US$ 2.1 million. The highest wage slot available in ILT20 is US$ 3,40,000, and such a player can get a maximum of a further US$ 1,10,000 as a loyalty bonus, according to ESPN Cricinfo. 

Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman, ILT20, had said, "We look forward to introducing to the world a T20 event that will provide unmatched competition and entertainment to the ardent followers of this game."

India's Reliance Industries, Kolkata Knight Riders, GMR, Lancer Capital, Adani Sportline, and Capri Global are the owners of franchises in the new league. The high-value league will also provide a valuable platform for Emirates Cricket to develop their local talent by including a High Performing coaching and selection committee, thus allowing training and playing alongside some of the world's best players. 

However, Emirates Cricket Board confirmed that the inaugural edition of the ILT20 League will see a window of 6th January to 12th February 2023. And this window clashes with the dates of the Big Bash League's fixture, which is set from 5th December 2022 to 28th January 2023. 

Effect of T20 league on domestic leagues on BBL 

The ILT20 window is clashing with Big Bash Leagues', and the latter has a low budget per player compared to the UAE league. 

This is mainly because Big Bash hasn't opened itself for private ownership. Thus, the board will find it difficult to get hold of quality players. Leaving other international players aside, even many high-profile Australian cricketers not contracted by the BBL teams could choose to be a part of other lucrative leagues. 

"Imagine, Australia hosting Big Bash at home while these men [David Warner, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood] are busy playing in South Africa or UAE," said Adam Gilchrist. 

Cricket Australia refused NOC to David Warner?

With this clash, the significant speculation catching the limelight and controversy is David Warner, whose name found inclusion in Adam Gilchrist's statement. In the report he cited, it will be commercial suicide for Cricket Australia, allowing its players to go and play other leagues. 

Given many suggestions by former cricketers, cricket boards of Australia and New Zealand might look forward to drafting new contracts or stricter conditions for their players, which can be expected to be reflected in the players' NOCs. The decision is still awaited.