Four star Western Australian cricketers have made the bold decision to turn down state contracts in order to chase T20 opportunities overseas.
Ashton Agar, Marcus Stoinis, Jason Behrendorff and Andrew Tye – who have all played for Australia – made the choice to step away from state duties, meaning they’ll be unable to compete in the Sheffield Shield.
However, it gives the quartet the chance to explore lucrative T20 competitions overseas, such as the Bangladesh Premier League and Pakistan Super League.
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“As someone with aspirations to play at the highest level, which is international cricket, for as long as possible, playing cricket as much as you can is the only thing that gets you there,” Agar told CricInfo.
“Playing for Australia doesn’t mean you have to have a state contract at that time. You just need to be putting your best foot forward for whichever team you’re playing for.”
Agar’s spot in WA’s lineup is no longer assured after the emergence of young spinner Corey Rocchiccioli.
It meant he had limited Marsh Cup exposure and then no Sheffield Shield after the BBL season’s conclusion.
“To not take a state contract gives me the flexibility to take opportunities that may pop up around the world,” Agar said.
“It allows me to still play for Western Australia. But it doesn’t lock me into just playing state cricket.”
