Chris Lynn has reached unprecedented terms to play for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League while still being allowed to go to play in the privately owned UAE Twenty20 tournament.
The result of compromise between Cricket Australia, the Strikers and Lynn’s management, the deal will permit the BBL’s mainstay over its first decade to play part of the competition before heading overseas with permission from the governing body.
Chris Lynn during his Brisbane Heat days.Credit:Getty Images
While a source of great relief to tournament organisers and broadcasters that Lynn will not be lost entirely to the BBL, Lynn’s deal sets a new marker for flexibility if a player does not sign a CA or state contract.
Lynn left the Brisbane Heat earlier this year after the club chose not to renew his five-year, $1 million contract, commonly cited as the BBL’s richest.
“Cricket Australia welcomes the Adelaide Strikers’ signing of Chris Lynn, the highest run-scorer in BBL history, for 11 out of 14 games in the upcoming season,” a Cricket Australia spokesman said. “He will be released from January 20 to participate in UAE’s ILT20 competition from that date.
“Lynn does not hold a CA or state contract and has not done so since his last Queensland Cricket contract expired in June 2019. Each matter regarding release for overseas competitions is subject to the individual’s circumstances.
“Our guiding principle remains the prioritisation and protection of Australia’s domestic summer of cricket and the interests of the game overall.”
MORE TO COME
