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The Big Bash League has reenforced the benefits of delayed retirements that are occurring as a result of T20 cricket.
The introduction of one day internationals ultimately resulted in partial international retirement becoming an option, with a player stepping down from ODIs to concentrate on Tests, or vice versa.
This also allowed some players to ‘focus their efforts’ on one form of the game if they were about to be dropped, providing a more dignified option for all parties.
Fast forward to the IPL and the launch of subsequent T20 leagues across the globe, and many players now have opportunities to extend their careers far longer than their predecessors could have imagined.
The advent of the semi-retirement is ultimately good for all parties. Firstly, players can ‘keep gettin’ dem cheques’ (shout out to Jalen Rose) at an age when many of them would have previously been working in a bank and questioning the meaning of life. The opportunity to bring in several hundred thousand dollars for eight weeks’ work has certainly kept more players at the table after retiring from international duty.
The extension of careers afforded by the T20 cricket has also had an unexpected impact on our national side. In recent years, Brads Hodge and Hogg have managed to parlay strong BBL form into international T20 selection, along with a rumoured endorsement offer from Just For Men.
Secondly, the many older greats still taking the field these days provide more opportunities for the public to watch their favourite players in action. Instead of telling your kids about Brad Hogg’s bowling feats for WA in the 1990s, they can see him and his crazy tongue in Scorchers’ orange each summer for the foreseeable future.
The marketing opportunities provided by ageing local and international legends are also highly beneficial for Cricket Australia. The Melbourne Stars scored a huge coup in BBL 01 with the signing of the great Shane Warne, and the Sydney Thunder have greatly strengthened their side this season with the inclusion of Jacques Kallis. These players boost interest and crowd attendance at BBL games, further bolstering CA’s coffers.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, younger players get the opportunity to play with legends of the game. Having someone like Mike Hussey provide batting tips in the nets is one thing, but batting with him in a run chase is next level.
Likewise, facing bowlers like Brett Lee and champion all-rounder Kallis provides invaluable experience for Australian batsmen. Having such players out on the ground is also a boon for local bowlers, who can talk tactics and utilise their experience.
With the BBL providing a great mix of veterans and young players on our television screens every evening, there is plenty to like about our local T20 league. Here’s hoping we can continue to attract retired international greats and ageing local legends to extend their storied careers in the fluoro flurry of the BBL for many years to come.
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