Big Bash League team Sydney Sixers suffered a major setback when Cricket Australia turned down an appeal to play Steve Smith in the final of the league. After the home ODI series against New Zealand was postponed, Smith had contacted his franchise Sydney Sixers and expressed his desire to play in the league against Perth Scorchers on Saturday night. But, Cricket Australia did not allow him to do so. The Sydney team also asked the board to allow Smith to play, but CA rejected their offer.
EXCLUSIVE: Steve Smith’s bid to play for the Sixers in the BBL Finals has been rejected.
STORY https://t.co/m9q9C0LlWh
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— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) January 21, 2022
According to Fox Cricket, the Sydney Sixers had kept a vacancy for Smith in their team so that when the big players could be given a chance. However, Smith’s request to play was turned down after other teams raised objections. The board has cited behind this that only players from the local pool can come to play for replacement. Smith has captained the Sydney Sixers. The team has to play its semi-final match against Perth on Saturday. The final match will be played in Sydney on January 28.