Cricket Australia (CA) has withdrawn their white-ball specialists Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh from the upcoming season of the Hundred. The Aussie duo were set to play for London Spirit coached by Trevor Bayliss but they have been told to give up $160,000-worth contracts (Rs 1.31 crore approximately) in order to manage workload ahead of ODI World Cup 2023 in India later this year.
"In discussions with both players it was agreed that with a long campaign ahead, including two World Cups, it's in their best interests to be physically refreshed and at their best for the one-day World Cup and beyond," a Cricket Australia spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo. "Both are also coming from recent injuries."
Daunting task for London Spirit
While the move benefits Cricket Australia, it leaves London Spirit no option but to search for their overseas replacements with less than a month to go for the third season of the tournament. It will be a daunting task to fill in the positions as their probable replacements have already signed for leagues like Global T20 Canada, Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Lanka Premier League (LPL) which will clash with the Hundred’s schedule.
Competition among leagues
The Hundred has not been successful the way it was expected to since its inception. The availability of players has been the main issue, especially T20 star players who attract crowds. On the other hand, the women’s competition has more stars in the sides as there are select few leagues and the international calendar is not packed.
The Hundred also faces competition from other leagues. The top bracket for a player in the Hundred is $160,000 for a tournament that will go on nearly for four weeks. Meanwhile, in the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC), players are expected to get more for a tournament that will be half the duration.
More players to opt out
In addition to Marsh and Maxwell, there will be few notable absences from the Hundred. Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is likely to prioritise LPL over the 100-ball competition. Similarly Pakistan's Usama Mir, New Zealand's injured all-rounder Michael Bracewell will miss the Hundred as well.
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