Spinner Adam Zampa has dropped a Big Bash League bombshell by requesting a trade to cross-town rivals the Melbourne Renegades.
Zampa, who captained the Melbourne Stars to their second worst BBL finish in history this year, remains contracted at the Stars for another two seasons.
But after his controversial BBL12 campaign, where he unsuccessfully attempted a Mankad against the Renegades and led a last-placed team described by great Brian Lara as having “no plan”, Zampa says he wants out of the club.
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Under an agreement between the two Melbourne franchises, Zampa would head to the Renegades in exchange for young wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Harper.
“The Melbourne Renegades can confirm Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa has requested a trade to the club,” the ‘Gades said in a statement.
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“No trades can be formally processed, and binding agreements between clubs cannot be made, during Cricket Australia’s contracting embargo period, which came into effect at the beginning of the BBL Final.
“However, the clubs have exchanged non-binding correspondence that could see Zampa join the Renegades in exchange for Sam Harper once the trade period opens for next season.”
It remains to be seen what kind of reception Zampa would get from the fans in red, given his attempt to run out nonstriker Tom Rogers in a fiery Melbourne derby saw boos rain down on the MCG.
Zampa’s looming exit is just another blow for the Stars after now departed coach David Hussey accused players of needing to “tidy up” their attitude.
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“We just have to tidy up a few things – a bit of attitude, just focusing on what the skipper does and work with the skipper and execute your plans under a bit of pressure,” he said on Fox Cricket from the SCG in December.
“We just need to tidy up a few areas of the attitude I think.
“It’s more attitude as in we have a couple of team rules about competing and working with the captain on which plans to bowl to to certain players and unfortunately those plans disappeared when the heat was on.”
Lara even accused Stars players of being too selfish, claiming it appeared in matches that “it just seems everyone is coming out there and playing their own way”.
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The Stars issued their own statement following Zampa’s shock exit request, claiming the club “intend to enter into negotiations with Adam Zampa that will allow him to be traded”.
“This trade would allow us to target several other quality players, and we look forward to making a number of announcements regarding new signings once the contracting window reopens,” Stars General Manager Blair Crouch said.
It’s been a tough summer for Zampa after he was controversially overlooked for Australian selection after an apparent “last minute” decision.
“I thought with the way I’ve been going in international cricket in particular this was going to be my opportunity,” a gutted Zampa said last month.
“That was the messaging I got six weeks ago, this could be a very good chance I could be on it. Now I’m not, I’m very flat about it.”
