Former Australia skipper Steve Smith, who is serving a 12-month ban for his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town, could return to action next month after being named as one of the 10 marquee players for the proposed Global T20 Canada league.
If the tournament proceeds as scheduled in June, it will mark Smith’s first bit of cricket action since Cricket Australia (CA) banned the right-hander from all international and domestic cricket.
While Smith can’t play international or first-class cricket in his country, the ban doesn’t extend to club cricket or global leagues — although his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals chose to drop him for the 2018 edition.
Besides Smith, explosive opener Chris Lynn is the other Australian in the list which also features Shahid Afridi (Pakistan), Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka), Dwayne Bravo, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Darren Sammy (West Indies) and David Miller (South Africa).
Canada is ready to welcome the galaxy of stars. @canadiancricket #cricketcomeshome pic.twitter.com/ukK8cqxVM4
— GT20 Canada (@Gt20Canada) May 24, 2018
The tournament is set to run from June 28 to July 15 and comprises six teams — five from Canada and one Cricket West Indies representative team — playing 22 matches.
The players’ draft will take place on May 30, a statement from the organisers said.
The President of Cricket Canada Ranjit Saini spoke out on the tournament, “Global T20 Canada marks the first time a nation with associate member status is launching a league — a major step forward in cricket’s global development.
“Canadian cricket fans will have a great opportunity to see up close many of the world’s greatest players, and I’d like to thank International Cricket Council, CWI and the international cricket community for their guidance and support in growing cricket in Canada.”
