David Warner set to miss West Indies Series for ILT20

David Warner's international obligations would be impacted by his contract with the Dubai Capitals.

(Cricket News) After retiring from Test cricket in Sydney next week, David Warner is expected to miss the white-ball portion of the West Indies’ February tour of Australia. Warner has an ILT20 contract with Dubai Capitals, which runs from January 20 to February 18. Australia plays the West Indies in three ODIs and three T20Is between February 2 and 13.

“I think the short answer to that is probably yes,” Todd Greenberg told SEN when asked if Warner would miss some home cricket. “I know he is pretty committed to the BBL.” Warner is scheduled to play in the BBL for Sydney Thunder following his last Test against Pakistan, though there is still some uncertainty as to whether he would be available for the finals should Thunder qualify.

The chief executive of the Australian Cricketers’ Association indicated on Thursday that he expected Warner to apply for a No Objection Certificate to play in the ILT20.

“It is a given that in the next stage of Dave’s life, he will seek to use his skills where he can earn the highest return on investment. In fact, I am supporting him in doing so. There will be occasions when he will want to skip certain tours and games. That is the kind of adaptability we need to learn to deal with. Some may not agree with that, but that is the reality of the modern world we live in and we must accept it.”

The most notable instance of this kind in Australian cricket would be Warner’s decision to forego international duty in favor of a domestic T20 deal. That being said, there are numerous reports that the selectors had long anticipated that Warner and other senior players might not play the series against the West Indies.

Instead, they will field a full-strength side for the T20Is in New Zealand in order to prepare for the World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA in June, of which Warner is expected to be a member. The opening game of the New Zealand series takes place in Wellington on February 21.

In addition, the management and selectors view the IPL as an important component of the T20 World Cup preparation for those who have earned deals, which currently include Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.

The ODIs against the West Indies initiate a new four-year cycle towards the 2027 World Cup, which would seem unlikely for Warner, though he did hint that he might play in that tournament following Australia’s victory in India last month. Warner announced during the recent World Cup that he would not be accepting a central contract from Cricket Australia the following year in order to give himself more freedom.

“I do not want to be signed to that agreement and that is something I have to think about moving forward, because if you are going to get a low contract, it is going to cost you a lot in the long run with sponsorships,” Warner declared.

“I will not be taking a contract, definitely not.” Warner explained that the Australian system operates as follows: if you play five T20 games, ODIs, or three Tests, you get upgraded and then you are legally bound by contracting system with sponsors and stuff.