It has been reported that Shane Warne is poised to return from retirement to participate in the Twenty20 cricket of Australia’s Big Bash League.
At 42 years old, the leg-spinner is expected to finalize a signing with the Melbourne Stars franchise next week, according to media sources.
His illustrious career concluded at the Indian Premier League (IPL) in May.
Stars’ chief executive Clint Cooper remarked, “We understand through Shane Warne’s management that he is still considering offers from several teams, including the Melbourne Stars.”
On Friday, Warne tweeted: “For the record-Im Seriously contemplating & considering coming out of retirement for the 20/20 big bash competition in Aust over dec / jan !” [sic]
After his retirement from international cricket in January 2007, during which he took 708 Test wickets, he continued to lead and coach Rajasthan Royals in the IPL’s initial four seasons.
Warne has been consistently in the media spotlight since his recent engagement to British actress Elizabeth Hurley, and he hinted in September about a potential participation in the Big Bash League, which has undergone renovations for the 2011-12 season.
The conventional six Australian state teams have been transformed into eight city-based franchises, featuring two each in Melbourne and Sydney.
It’s no surprise that Warne’s name has surfaced in connection with the Stars, who are set to play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in his hometown, under the leadership of Australia’s Twenty20 captain, Cameron White.
His manager, James Erskine, commented, “He’s as fit as he’s ever been, and he believes he is still one of the top spin bowlers in the world.”
“However, he is 42 and understands that playing will entail a certain level of hype and media attention. One of the perks is that his children are now old enough to witness him play.”
The Big Bash League will take place from 16 December until 28 January, and each team is permitted to field two overseas players.
Former England one-day captain Paul Collingwood (Perth Scorchers) will compete in the tournament, along with English limited-overs players Luke Wright (Melbourne Stars), Owais Shah (Hobart Hurricanes), and Michael Lumb (Sydney Sixers).
Additionally, other notable overseas stars include limited-overs specialists Kieron Pollard (West Indies), Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa), and Shahid Afridi (Pakistan).
