Cricket

Cricket Australia (CA) has unveiled its new central contracts for the 2024-25 season, with several notable omissions and additions. Veteran all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who has been battling back injuries, is the most prominent name missing from the list.Stoinis, a key member of Australia's World Cup-winning squad last year, is an integral part of the short-format team. However, CA has opted to prioritize younger players ahead of the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA.Other players who have missed out on contracts include all-rounder Ashton Agar, opener Marcus Harris, pacer Michael Neser, and recently retired star David Warner.In their place, CA has awarded deals to a handful of new faces. All-rounders Matt Short and Aaron Hardie have been upgraded to the contract list after impressive performances during the summer. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis and young right-armer Xavier Bartlett have also earned full-time contracts.Bartlett impressed with his bowling against the West Indies earlier this year, taking two four-wicket hauls in ODIs and 2/37 in the solitary T20I he played.Cricket Australia selection chair George Bailey expressed confidence in the potential of the new contracted players. "Matt, Aaron, and Xavier have been extremely impressive in the early stages of their international careers," he said. "Their performances and the way they have embraced the international stage have been exciting to watch.""The panel believes they have strong futures and deserve their contracts as they work towards striving to become regulars in the Australian setup," he added.

Cricket Australia's (CA) decision to limit Nathan Lyon's availability for Lancashire has sparked controversy and raised questions about the balance between international and domestic cricket.Lyon, Australia's premier off-spinner, was initially set to play in all formats for Lancashire during the 2024 County Championship season. However, CA has intervened, restricting him to only seven of the first nine Championship fixtures. This move is intended to manage Lyon's workload ahead of Australia's home Test series against India later this year.Lancashire's director of cricket, Mark Chilton, expressed disappointment but acknowledged the club's excitement about Lyon's partial availability. He emphasized Lyon's commitment to Lancashire and his potential to support the team's goals.The decision has raised concerns about the impact on Tom Hartley, a promising young off-spinner who could be affected by Lyon's presence. England coach Brendon McCullum has questioned the wisdom of blocking Hartley's development opportunities.Lancashire captain Keaton Jennings acknowledged the "really tough situation" but emphasized the potential benefits of Lyon's experience for Hartley. He believes Hartley can learn from Lyon and contribute significantly to Lancashire's success.Meanwhile, Lancashire is exploring options to secure a replacement overseas player for the T20 Blast and One-Day Cup. The club is actively engaged in discussions to find a suitable candidate.CA's decision highlights the ongoing tension between international and domestic cricket. While it is understandable that CA wants to prioritize Lyon's fitness and performance for the national team, it also raises questions about the impact on county cricket and the development of young players.

Cricket Australia is revolutionizing its Big Bash League (BBL) and Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) with significant changes aimed at retaining overseas talent and enhancing the overall quality of the competitions.Overseas Player Multi-Year Deals:Clubs will now be permitted to sign overseas players to multi-year contracts before the draft. These deals will require players to commit to the entire tournament, preventing them from leaving for other leagues. This move is designed to address the issue of players departing the BBL before the finals, which has weakened the competition in recent years.Impact on Draft and Player Selection:The signed overseas players will count towards the minimum of three internationals that each club must select during the draft. They will occupy either a platinum, gold, or silver-round pick based on their salary. Clubs will have the flexibility to poach overseas talent from other franchises, adding an element of strategy to the draft process.Flexibility and Timing:Players who have existing contracts elsewhere will be granted some flexibility next summer. However, from the 2025-26 season onwards, they will be locked in for the duration of their multi-year deals. The timing of the UAE-based ILT20 competition is expected to shift from January-February to November, reducing the pressure on the BBL, as ILT20 teams will no longer be able to raid BBL stocks.WBBL Changes:The WBBL is also set for a shake-up, with a likely reduction from 56 games to 40. This move is intended to create a more balanced schedule and provide greater context for matches. The timing of the Women's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh means the competition could begin without international talent if it maintains its longer season.State-Based T20 League:To compensate for the reduction in WBBL games, Cricket Australia is considering introducing a state-based T20 league. This could provide financial benefits for players, who currently earn match fees in state cricket but salaries in the WBBL.

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley has refuted claims that India, England, and Cricket Australia have disregarded a proposal to safeguard Test cricket. A report in the Sydney Morning Herald alleged that the three influential boards dismissed a document drafted by New Zealand Cricket chair Martin Snedden, which suggested overhauling the future tours program (FTP) to preserve the longest format of the game.Hockley vehemently denied these allegations, stating that ongoing discussions are centered on optimizing the calendar and fostering cricket's global growth. The proposed blueprint includes additional windows for T20 leagues beyond the Indian Premier League, modifications to the World Test Championship points system, 40-over ODIs, concerns about T20Is, and efforts to pool broadcast rights revenue for bilateral series.Hockley emphasized Australia's commitment to supporting the ICC in ensuring the health of all three cricket formats. He highlighted the country's role in introducing the World Test Championship and its involvement in the ICC's FTP working group.Hockley acknowledged the global expansion of cricket, citing the United States' embrace of the game and its co-hosting of the T20 World Cup with the West Indies later this year. He stressed the importance of a format strategy that accommodates all formats and fosters their coexistence.Regarding the World Test Championship, Hockley emphasized its significance and Australia's unwavering support for men's Test cricket as its most valuable asset. He emphasized the need to enhance the prominence of the World Test Championship and ensure its economic viability in all territories.Hockley concluded by highlighting the ongoing efforts to configure the calendar to accommodate all three formats. He emphasized the collaborative nature of these discussions, involving all ICC members, to ensure the continued growth and success of cricket worldwide.