Smith was expected to turn out for Sydney Sixers in the BBL 10.
Australian batting superstar and Rajasthan Royals captain Steven Smith has categorically ruled out his chances to play in the upcoming 10th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2020-2021.
Smith was expected to turn out for Sydney Sixers for few BBL 10 matches, but the right-hander has ruled out his participation in the Australian T20 league, citing concerns over prolonged stay in bio-secure bubbles in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
In an interview with News Corp as part of a promotional campaign with Lifebouy for the RR from his Dubai bubble, Smith has made it clear that there is “no chance” of him playing in the BBL 10 starting December 3 in Australia. It is being said that other IPL-bound Australian stars David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood are likely to follow Smith for BBL 10.
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Smith said during the interview, “I’ll be honest with you – absolutely no chance. It’s still early days with the bubbles. We don’t know how long it’s going to last for. There’s an uncertainty there. It’s just going to be about having open conversations with coaches, general managers, whoever, to ensure that people are keeping their headspace in a reasonable place.”
The RR skipper further added, “Then there’s obviously going to be questions around the selection. If someone takes some time off because they’ve been in the bubble for a long time and then someone comes in and plays well, do they take their spot?”
Smith signed off by saying, “When guys are starting to find things a bit tough mentally from just living in the bubble, being able to get out – even if it might just be a few days of being normal might be a real help. Those conversations need to be had.”
(With India Today Inputs)