The proliferation of T20 leagues around the world has started showing its effect on international cricket. While former cricketers are brainstorming over uncertainty on the existence of ODIs, current players have started voicing their difficulty to stay relevant amidst packed schedule.
Amidst packed cricket calendar, players are also hustling to play in lucrative T20 Leagues around the world. Since India's T20 domestic tournament, Indian Premier League emerged as a leading force in terms of franchise cricket, Big Bash League (BBL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), England's The Hundred are also luring players with lucrative offers.
Upcoming T20 UAE International League and South Africa T20 League are latest to join the bandwagon. The fact that IPL owners have heavily invested in teams of both the leagues is likely to attract more players from all-around the world.
In order to counter the issue of staying relevant to these lucrative T20 leagues, players are either taking premature retirement from international cricket or opting out of a particular format. Ben Stokes quitting ODI cricket or Trent Boult opting out of New Zealand's central contract have started the trend.
Stressing on the same issue, Australian explosive batter David Warner, who recently signed two-year deal with Sydney Thunder has admitted that cricket calendar for the upcoming year is 'scary' and added that it is difficult for players to play so many matches.
"The schedule looking for the next five years is scary. I am glad that I am at the back end of my career as it will be very difficult for players to keep up the pace. I am with my family; a lot of guys are there with young families and for them it will be pretty challenging. 80-90 games a year... That's a lot of cricket," said Warner.
Earlier reports claimed that Warner has asked for No Objection Certificate from Cricket Australia for playing in upcoming T20 UAE International League at the expense of Big Bash League. But reportedly Cricket Australia offered him a lucrative deal to get his services in Australia’s T20 league.