Andrew Symonds has “numerous” foreign offers before him as he mulls over whether to continue playing in Australia.
With his international career almost certainly over, Symonds is expected to decide this week if he will attempt to play for Queensland in the domestic competition.
Queensland Cricket has thrown the wayward allrounder a lifeline to continue on for the Bulls after he was sent home from Australia’s World Twenty20 campaign in England for another alcohol-related indiscretion.
Symonds could still appear all around the world as he has English and South African offers on the table on top of his $US1.35m ($A1.68m) Indian Premier League contract, which has another year to run.
Symonds’ manager Matt Fearon confirmed the explosive batsman, turning 34 on Tuesday, was keen to play on despite Cricket Australia indicating they will withdraw his 2009-10 contract.
Fearon said his client had “numerous” teams looking to contract him including English counties and South African Twenty20 provinces.
“It’s fair to say he’s constantly sought after from many regions both prior to this happening and currently,” the agent told AAP.
“He could be a fairly transient cricketer.
“They’re areas we haven’t explored before because he’s always been focussed on playing international cricket.
“They’re options for him if he chooses to do that.”
Symonds, who arrived home on Saturday, is currently seeking advice from family and friends as he weighs up his future.
Fearon said Symonds still enjoyed the game and the most important aspect for him was to play in an environment with “like-minded” people after feeling out of place in the current Australian team environment.
Symonds was a success in the IPL helping the Deccan Chargers to the Twenty20 title in South Africa last month under the stewardship of former Test teammates Darren Lehmann and Adam Gilchrist.
Captain Gilchrist hailed Symonds as “a great team man” after Deccan beat Bangalore in the IPL final.
“At this stage his focus is to surround himself with people he enjoys and support him and have the right influence on him,” Fearon said.
“As far as where the Australian team is headed and the culture within, that’s changed significantly and he’s no longer a good fit there.
“Queensland Cricket have been a big part of his career and are supporting him now and would be an avenue for him as well.”
One option for Symonds, a passionate Queenslander could be playing as a limited-overs specialist for the Bulls after contesting the Twenty20 Champions League for the Chargers in October.
Although there were reports Symonds was upset by his CA contract being slashed by $200,000, Fearon denied money was an important factor in Symonds’ cricket future.
“There’s no doubt he’s looking at continuing to play cricket and there are good opportunities there for him,” he said.
“But it will be about enjoyment rather than this is where I can make the most money.”
Brett McKay
Guest
Almost certainly Terry, especially if the perceived change in Clarke is an "overnight" thing. I too hope Symonds can get his life back in order, particularly the obvious alcohol problems, but this is an interesting development. Could we be seeing the blueprint for the first truly international professional Twenty20 cricketer??
Terry Kidd
Guest
I wish him well for the future but there is no doubt he no longer fits the culture in the Oz teams. I wonder if Michael Clarke's influence is a contributor to the change in culture. Is it just my perception that he appears to be treating his place in the teams as a 'job' and is taking away a little of the 'boys club' aspect. Does that have an affect on team bonding and intra team relationships?