Former Australia pacer James Pattinson has announced to part his ways with Big Bash League (BBL) side Melbourne Renegades, ending his contract one year prematurely.
Pattinson, 32, and Renegades decided to part ways as the pacer won’t be able to give the T20 franchise sufficient time this season owing to his other commitments. Pattinson had earlier returned to the Renegades on a three-year deal ahead of BBL 10.
Commenting on his decision, the pacer said: “Unfortunately I could only commit to part of the season given my state and overseas cricket commitments. I’ll need to take a break in December to give my body a rest and also want to spend that Christmas period with family,”
“I’d like to thank the Renegades for my time there and wish them all the best for the season,” he added.
On the other side, Melbourne Renegades General Manager, James Rosengarten, thanked the former Australian pacer for his time with the club and said: “We’d like to thanks James for his efforts as a Renegade. We understand the position he’s in with prioritising his County and State cricketing commitments and appreciate him being upfront with us.”
“With James only being available for part of the season, we feel the best option for us is to utilise this list spot on a player who can fully commit to the Renegades for all of BBL|12. The timing of this decision allows our list management team to balance the role of that player alongside who we may target in the overseas player draft,” he added.
Pattinson’s decision to part his ways with the club comes ahead of the BBL draft for the upcoming season.
Notably, in a bid to lure more international players, BBL has decided to introduce a draft system to pick overseas players in the upcoming edition.
A report in cricket.com.au on Wednesday had said that players will nominate themselves for the draft in three pay categories — gold, silver and bronze –, while BBL officials will reserve the right to elevate some of them to the platinum category.
In order to make the tournament more attractive and lucrative for players, the pay bracket will reportedly start in six figures (Australian dollars) at bronze level.
Another report in Sydney Morning Herald said the overseas players will be divided into platinum (AUD 340,000), gold (AUD 260,000), silver (AUD 175,000) and bronze (AUD 100,000) categories, with “each club to pick up to three signings”
As per reports, tournament organisers are convinced the enhanced salaries for foreign stars “would entice more top talent” and re-establish BBL in the top tier of global franchise events.