In a move that has the potential to rock Cricket Australia's foundation to its core, top-order slugger David Warner appears set to turn his back on the BBL in favour of a place in the United Arab Emirates' inaugural short-form competition.
While Warner is yet to ink an agreement with the start-up league, the 35-year-old is said to have commenced conversations about securing a clearance to take his wares back to Asia.
As first reported by veteran cricket scribe Peter Lalor for News Corp, Warner is currently engaged in negotiations to join the competition scheduled to commence in January of 2023.
Given the inaugural season will coincide with the latest iteration of the BBL, it appears likely that the hard-hitter will take no part in Australia's revamped domestic competition this summer.
With the UAE league backed heavily by the deep pockets of IPL (Indian Premier League) backers, the riches afforded to those that opt into the Middle Eastern tournament are bound to be plentiful.
Lalor claimed on Wednesday that each of the six teams from the new league are set to be backed by IPL outfits, with contracts worth $2.1 Million (AUD) for three years of work said to be on offer.
Each franchise set to take part in the 34-game tournament will also have access to four contracted IPL players from their parent team as well.
Having carved out a career as one of T20 cricket's most devastating talents, the prospect of seeing Warner ply his trade away from home shores this summer will have sent ripples through Cricket Australia's Jolimont offices.
However, as Warner requires a No Objection Certificate to participate in any form of overseas domestic franchise competition, the potential to block a move may soon be on in earnest.
As the BBL is reported to be offering overseas imports the potential to earn within the vicinity of $340,000 for a summer's work, should Warner opt to re-join the domestic competition and earn a similar wage, it would leave the left-hander earning less than half of what is on the table from the Middle East.
Warner's opt-out could also see Cricket Australia take steps to make BBL appearances mandatory for those holding national contracts.
Since the competition's rebrand and recommencement in 2011-12, Warner has represented both sides of the Sydney divide, pulling on the Sixers' magenta as well as the lime of the Thunder.
The New South Welsman has also represented short-ball outfits Sunrisers Hydrabad, Delhi Capitals (India), Sylhet Sixers (Bangladesh), Northern Districts (New Zealand), St Lucia Stars (Carribbean) and Winnipeg Hawks (Canada).
