Symonds For Hire!

[Inswinger]

Symonds eyes role as global Twenty20 freelancer Alex Brown June 8, 2009 Andrew Symonds could earn up to one million rand ($120,000) for less than two months' work in South Africa's domestic 50- and 20-over leagues if, as expected, he reinvents himself as the world's first freelance Twenty20 player. The Australian all-rounder, who is expected to announce his retirement from international cricket this week, has already received expressions of interest from Pro20 franchises in South Africa, and could feasibly participate in four domestic 20-over tournaments across the globe next year. Deccan Chargers, the defending IPL champions, have already declared their intention to retain Symonds' services at the princely sum of $1.35 million per season. Symonds' home state, Queensland, are also seeking to keep him on their books, and speculation in England is rife that the controversial all-rounder could join the county ranks in the near future. Should he become cricket's first notable Twenty20 mercenary , Symonds' earnings could dwarf those he stood to earn under his current Cricket Australia deal. A reduction in his bowling workload could also extend his playing career, and his global exposure may go some way to restoring his marketability, which has taken a sizeable hit after a slew of recent controversies. Cricinfo sources have revealed that Symonds could top-up his substantial IPL earnings by up to one million rand should he opt to play in South Africa's Pro20 tournament next year. Sanath Jayasuriya is understood to have commanded a similar figure during his stint with the Dolphins last year - split between the franchise and a third-party sponsor - and senior South African provincial officials expect the Australian will command similar levels of interest should he make himself available next season. Franchises in the South African league are permitted one overseas player, subject to approval by the national board, and payments to 'imports' fall outside teams' salary caps. "Everyone knows he is a brilliant one-day and Twenty20 cricketer," Cassim Docrat, the chief executive of Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Dolphins Pro20 franchise, told Cricinfo. "I'm sure people would have to take a look at the disciplinary aspect of taking him on, but if you're asking me would franchises be interested, then the answer is almost certainly yes. You would have to give it serious thought." Andre Odendaal, chief executive of Western Province and the Cape Cobras Pro20 franchise, concurred. "There is more and more incentive for top players to play in South Africa," he told Cricinfo. "I would not be surprised if a player like Symonds attracted a lot of interest. A player of his quality could help most teams." South Africa's Pro20 tournament runs from January to February - which partially overlaps the Big Bash in Australia - and precedes the IPL (scheduled for March-to-April in 2010) and the proposed P20 competition in England (June-to-September). Symonds will also play in the 2009 Twenty20 Champions League, following Deccan's IPL victory last month, and could figure in the planned Southern Premier League - a joint venture between the Australian, South African and New Zealand boards based on the Super 14 provincial rugby model - which has been bracketed for an October, 2011 launch date. A move to England appears on the cards, too. Rod Bransgrove, Hampshire's millionaire owner, was reportedly drinking with Symonds in London on the night that led to the all-rounder's eventual expulsion from Australia's WorldTwenty20 squad. Symonds has previously played with Gloucestershire, Kent and Lancashire, and could qualify as a local player given he was born in Birmingham. Matt Fearon, Symonds' agent, told Cricinfo last week his client could consider becoming a freelance Twenty20 player if, as most assume, he announces his retirement from international cricket. Fearon has since revealed that Symonds, who turns 34 on Tuesday, has fielded interest from franchises in South Africa "It's fair to say he's constantly sought after from many regions, both prior to this happening and currently," Fearon told AAP. "They are areas we haven't explored before because he's always been focused on playing international cricket. They're options for him if he chooses to do that." "There's no doubt he's looking at continuing to play cricket and there are good opportunities there for him. But it will be about enjoyment rather than 'this is where I can make the most money.' "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." Alex Brown is deputy editor of Cricinfo

Now that is one smart man. Maybe he'll be willing to play for Pakistan too, at the right price that is.

[asifp]

and the tide keeps on turning

[Oxy]

The guy cant keep his own promises made to his team mates for 5 mins....and some domestic side thinks he will honour a 2 month contract???

As if!

[kingusama92]

Good luck to the teams that sign him up! For all we know he might even get others drinking that were strict non drinkers previous to his entrance into their teams.

[Lethal]

Symonds comes with a lot of baggage - so if you want him then be prepared for the consequences.

[Savak]

I am happy for Symonds, why should he give a crap about people who humiliated him in public like this? Just make your money and be happy and dont give a damn about your team mates anymore.

[Lethal]

Originally Posted by Savak I am happy for Symonds, why should he give a crap about people who humiliated him in public like this? Just make your money and be happy and dont give a damn about your team mates anymore.

Was he humiliated? I don't think so. They gave him plenty of chances. He has one of the best contracts with CA. I think his team mates have supported him through every episode.

Its Symonds who has let down CA, his team mates and fans.

[161]

Good for Symonds.

Shoaib could do the same .. but he won't since he has always put Pak cricket above his wallet.

[Savak]

Originally Posted by Lethal Was he humiliated? I don't think so. They gave him plenty of chances. He has one of the best contracts with CA. I think his team mates have supported him through every episode. Its Symonds who has let down CA, his team mates and fans.

He was humiliated, if they didnt want him in the team they could just have dropped him instead of creating this unnecessary media drama. This was just a cheapshot from his team mates and its remarkable that Symonds has kept his dignity from not even commenting on the issue.

Let Australian Cricket suffer in his abscence.

[DotCom]

So Symo can do this, but if Mohammed Yousaf did this b/c he was not selected for the 2007 T20 WC in South Africa, and went to ICL, he is greedy ...

double standards...

[nikred]

Originally Posted by Oxy The guy cant keep his own promises made to his team mates for 5 mins....and some domestic side thinks he will honour a 2 month contract??? As if!

Well so far (2 seasons) he has been good for Deccan Chargers and the management made it clear too that they are happy to have him back for the next season.

[Gabbar Singh]

It was fun while it lasted but it looks like Symonds T20, and thus cricketing, career is coming to an end. He's horribly out of touch and not playing cricket for much of the year is eventually catching up with him.

He won't be a regular in the Mumbai playing XI next year. Still has 2 years of a $850,000/year contract left though so I'm sure he won't be starving whilst he warms the Mumbai bench.

[Random Aussie]

Surprised he is still playing TBH. Not putting much heart into from what I have seen.

[Qadeer]

hes not a bad player but he needs match practice...that comes in first class cricket where you feel the ball hitting middle of bat and scoring 100s help get back to form, T20 is excatly the opposite...walk onto crease slog few deliveres and you are paid millions

[Cricketismylife]

Originally Posted by kashif77 Shoaib could do the same .. but he won't since he has always put Pak cricket above his wallet.

giving him too much credit there.

you need to be fit enough to bowl 4 hours even in a T20 match.