Warner Signs Full-Season Deal with Sydney Thunder as Australian Stars Commit to Aus-T20 League

The veteran Australian opener David Warner has inked a groundbreaking two-year deal with Sydney Thunder, committing to a full Aus-T20 League season for the first time in his illustrious career. This significant development comes as other Australian cricket stars also affirm their allegiance to the domestic T20 competition.

Warner, who recently retired from Test cricket, will be available for the entire Aus-T20 League 2024-25 season. This starkly contrasts his limited appearances in recent years, where he featured in just eight games for Thunder over the last two editions, following a nine-season hiatus due to international commitments.

"I've always been a part of Thunder," Warner stated, expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming season. "The environment last year was great, and the group brought a lot of energy. This year, I believe we can go a couple of steps further."

Trent Copeland, Thunder's general manager, highlighted Warner's global appeal, particularly among South Asian communities in Sydney's west. "In Davey, we get a world-class talent with almost 20 years of T20 experience," Copeland remarked, emphasising Warner's full commitment now that he has retired from international cricket.

Meanwhile, other Test regulars have also secured their spots in the Aus-T20 League:

• Steve Smith has signed a three-year contract with Sydney Sixers.
• Marnus Labuschagne has re-signed with Brisbane Heat.
• Alex Carey has committed to a four-year deal with Adelaide Strikers

However, these players will have limited availability due to the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the subsequent Sri Lanka tour. They are expected to feature in 3-4 games during the window between these international commitments.

Carey, who has represented the Strikers throughout his eight-year Aus-T20 League career, will play under the guidance of former Australia Test captain Tim Paine, who takes over as the Strikers' coach this season.

As the 14th edition of the Aus-T20 League approaches, the commitment of these high-profile players underscores the tournament's growing significance in the global T20 cricket calendar. With Warner's full-season availability and the partial participation of other stars, the Aus-T20 League 2024-25 promises to be an exciting spectacle for cricket fans across Australia and beyond.