With a new contract that will keep him with the Melbourne Stars for at least the next two Big Bash League seasons, veteran Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has committed to the team’s future. Only a few hours before the contracting ban for the prestigious T20 league went into force, the deal was concluded.
Maxwell, who is now the third-highest run scorer in Big Bash League history, will play in the competition until he is almost in his 40s thanks to the extension. The Stars view the choice as a continuation of their quest for an elusive first BBL championship. Stars are the only team that hasn’t won the trophy despite being one of the competition’s founding clubs; in the most recent season, they lost to the Hobart Hurricanes in the knockout stage.
Maxwell had a challenging campaign on his own. In eight innings, he scored just 76 runs and took two wickets, which was well below his typical output. Even so, it was evident how valuable he would be to the team in the long run, especially because rival Sydney Thunder had made a sizable offer to get him to leave.
“My cricket career has been greatly influenced by the Melbourne Stars, and I have a strong desire for this team to succeed.” ESPNcricinfo cited Maxwell as saying, “I think this current group is building towards something special and I’m confident we’re in a place to contend for the title in the next two seasons.”
Additionally, Melbourne has signed Campbell Kellaway, extending the left-hander’s deal by a minimum of two more seasons. Kellaway gave steadiness at the top of the order last season with 172 runs at an average of 21.50.
In the shortest format, Stars high-performance manager Clint McKay emphasised Maxwell’s value to the team by citing his background and long-lasting influence.
“Glenn has undoubtedly long been among the top T20 players in the world, and we much value his dedication to the Stars. Because Campbell gives our top order some excellent steadiness, signing him was equally crucial. He demonstrated his ability this season, and I have no doubt that he will score many runs for us for many years to come, McKay stated.
The official player transfer window for the BBL will span from January 28 to February 5; the contracting embargo is scheduled to start after the evening hours on Tuesday, January 27. For those who don’t know, the window will let clubs to make trades and sign a number of off-contract players in advance of the premier tournament’s next season.
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