By Zainab Shafiq 
David Warner’s future in the upcoming ILT20 with Dubai Capitals is somewhat uncertain due to his commitments with Sydney Thunder in the BBL and potential Australia international duties. Warner, along with England’s Mark Wood, was recently announced as part of Capitals’ new signings for the tournament scheduled for January and February. However, this period may overlap with the latter stages of the BBL.
Warner is set to be available for Thunder after the Pakistan Test series concludes in early January, aiming to finish the format at the SCG. To play in the ILT20 in the UAE, he would require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Cricket Australia. The extent of any fixture clash remains unclear as the start dates for ILT20 have yet to be confirmed. BBL clubs have been operating under the assumption that ILT20 would commence around January 20, impacting planning for overseas player availability in the upcoming draft scheduled for September 3.
Warner’s availability for Capitals, should there be an overlap, could depend on Thunder’s performance in the BBL. The BBL regular season wraps up on January 17, and if Thunder doesn’t advance to the finals, Warner might head to the UAE. Even if he clears Thunder duty, an NOC would still be required for ILT20.
Warner, a high-profile signing for Thunder last year, signed a two-year deal worth AUD$340,000 per season, making his return to BBL after a long hiatus. He played six matches during the last season, scoring 99 runs at a strike rate of 108.79. Australia’s T20I series against West Indies from February 9-13 could also influence Warner’s availability for ILT20, as he expressed his desire to participate in next year’s T20 event in the West Indies and the USA.
Australia is expected to put plans in place during the West Indies series, and they may insist on Warner’s availability. Additionally, Daniel Sams, Warner’s Thunder teammate, and Andrew Tye from Perth Scorchers have also been named in the ILT20 signings. Tye’s availability is being worked through as he holds a Western Australia state contract.
Meanwhile, Thunder has made two coaching appointments for the upcoming season. Dan Christian, who retired at the end of the last BBL season with Sydney Sixers, will join as an assistant coach to Trevor Bayliss for the BBL. Michael Klinger, the head of T20 male cricket for New South Wales, will assist the WBBL side under new head coach Lisa Keightley.
“I’d like to think over my career I have developed a bank of knowledge and experiences that can help the Thunder players, and I am eager to learn from Trevor Bayliss,” said Christian.
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