Warner and Smith Ink Multi-year Deals with BBL Teams

David Warner joins Sydney Thunder for two years, while Steven Smith commits to Sydney Sixers for three years. Warner's full availability post-international retirement is highlighted, and Smith, having led Washington Freedom to a title, reaffirms his commitment to the Sixers ahead of BBL's 14th edition.

David Warner has signed a two-year contract with the Big Bash League's Sydney Thunder following his retirement from international cricket. This move marks the first time Warner will be fully available for an entire BBL season in his illustrious career.

Over the past two years, Warner has featured in eight matches for Thunder, including last year's dramatic helicopter arrival at the Sydney Cricket Ground. 'Davey is popular wherever he competes, especially in India, and I am confident the South Asian communities in Sydney's west will greatly support him at Thunder. With almost two decades of T20 experience, Warner brings world-class talent and, post-retirement, we expect his full dedication throughout the tournament, including the finals,' stated Trent Copeland, Thunder's general manager.

Meanwhile, Steven Smith has entered a three-year deal with the Sydney Sixers. Although Smith was part of the Sixers' inaugural BBL title win in 2012, he has made sporadic appearances for the team since. Smith, who became the first male Sixers player to notch a century, recently led Washington Freedom to a major league cricket title win in the US. Ahead of the BBL's 14th season, fellow Australian cricketers Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey have re-committed to Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers, respectively. Brisbane Heat coach Johan Botha praised Labuschagne's exceptional game sense, while Carey secured a four-year association with the Strikers, where he has played all 56 BBL matches of his career.

(With inputs from agencies.)