Steve Smith rules out participation in Big Bash League 2020


Steve Smith rules out participation in Big Bash League 2020

Steve Smith

Steve Smith RR
Steve Smith

Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain and Australian cricketer Steve Smith has ruled out the possibility of him participating in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 2020 that starts on December 3, 2020.

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A plethora of Australian cricketers including Smith have been in a bio-bubble since they went to England for a tour before moving to the UAE for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in September. Smith’s fellow Australian cricketers who are taking part in the IPL such as David Warner and Pat Cummins are also expected to give this year’s BBL a miss.

If star Australian cricketers don’t participate in the BBL, Cricket Australia’s broadcast rights holders who are desperate for top international players’ participation will be worried about revenue.

‘Absolutely no chance’ – Steve Smith

Smith batting for RR against RCB

When quizzed about his participation in the BBL, Smith said, “I’ll be honest with you — absolutely no chance,” Smith told News Corp, saying that players were under mental strain having been away from home since August.

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“It’s still early days with the bubbles. We don’t know how long it’s going to last for. There’s an uncertainty there,” Smith said.

“It’s just going to be about having open conversations with coaches, general managers, whoever, to ensure that people are keeping their head space in a reasonable place.

“Then there’s obviously going to be questions around selection. If someone takes some time off because they’ve been in the bubble for a long time and then someone comes in and plays well, do they take their spot?” Smith questioned.

Smith said that any player would need to spend some time normally to get out of the trauma associated with the bio-bubble.

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“When guys are starting to find things a bit tough mentally from just living in the bubble, being able to get out – even if it might just be a few days of being normal might be a real help. Those conversations need to be had,” he further said.

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