With the 15th edition of Big Bash League (BBL) done and dusted, talks around the next season have already begun. Especially with teams like Sydney Thunder, who finished in last place in BBL 15, having started to chalk out plans for the 16th season, as they are already in talks to play the Nepal national team for BBL practice matches ahead of next season.
Speaking to Cricket Australia, Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland opened up on the franchise’s dismal outing in BBL 15 while highlighting their plans ahead. The franchise, which has a strong influence in Western Sydney, spoke to the host of the Nepal national team in their region in order to engage the community. Having a large audience which has links to the South Asian community, Trent confirmed hosting the Nepal team for BBL practice matches.
We care for showing up regularly at community events: Trent Copeland on hosting Nepal team
In conversation with Cricket Australia, Copeland said, “Without getting the cart before the horse, we’ve had discussions with the Nepalese national team about coming and playing BBL practice matches for us in the window just before the tournament.” He further expressed how hosting the Nepal team in Western Sydney will add to the Nepalese community residing in that part.
“The way we’re thinking about South Asian engagement generally, whether it’s the Nepalese national team or whether it’s the Indian diaspora, is don’t do things because it seems like a great idea right now, it’s thinking about who we are to our core,” he added. Speaking of the team, the Thunders have so far locked in ten players ahead of BBL 16.
Sydney Thunder Player List
Contracted for BBL|15: Cameron Bancroft (BBL|17), Sam Billings (BBL|16), Matt Gilkes (BBL|17), Chris Green (BBL|16), Ryan Hadley (BBL|17), Sam Konstas (BBL|18), Aidan O’Connor (BBL|16), Daniel Sams (BBL|17), Tanveer Sangha (BBL|17), David Warner (BBL|16)
Out: Liam Hatcher (Stars), Ollie Davies (Sixers)
Eligible free agents: Wes Agar, Charlie Anderson, Tom Andrews, Pat Cummins, Nic Maddinson, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras
Uncontracted: Shadab Khan (Pakistan), Reece Topley (England), David Willey (England), Ravichandran Ashwin (India), Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand)
