Lynn signs with Strikers, will play both BBL, UAE leagues

Chris Lynn will feature in the Big Bash this summer after reaching a compromise with Cricket Australia to play in both the BBL and UAE International League T20 (ILT20) tournaments.

Lynn, the KFC BBL's all-time leading run-scorer, has signed an 11-game deal with the Adelaide Strikers after parting ways with the Brisbane Heat in May.

The 32-year-old will be granted a 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) following the Strikers' blockbuster clash with his old club at Adelaide Oval on January 14 to join the Adani-owned Gulf Giants franchise in the UAE league.

Lynn is now set for an emotional return to the Gabba as a Striker when Adelaide face the Heat on December 23 in a match exclusive to Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports.

While players such as James Faulkner and Ben Dunk have previously been granted NOCs to play overseas while the Big Bash is still in season, a deal of this nature is unprecedented given it allows Lynn to play in both competitions while still being a sought-after player by BBL clubs.

As part of the compromise, Lynn will miss the opening matches of the Giants' season with the ILT20 schedule to begin on January 6. 

"Cricket Australia welcomes the Adelaide Strikers’ signing of Chris Lynn, the highest run-scorer in KFC BBL history, for 11 out of 14 games in the upcoming KFC BBL|12 season," a CA spokesperson said. "He will be released from 20 January to participate in UAE’s ILT20 competition from that date.

"Lynn does not hold a CA or State contract and has not done so since his last Queensland Cricket contract expired in June 2019. Each matter regarding release for overseas competitions is subject to the individual’s circumstances.

"Our guiding principle remains the prioritisation and protection of Australia’s domestic summer of cricket and the interests of the game overall."

The Big Bash is bracing for an exit of overseas talent in early January with a host of stars set to be selected in Sunday's inaugural BBL Draft also leaving the competition midway through to join the UAE league and South Africa's new domestic T20 competition.

To offset the loss, Australia's Test stars, headed by David Warner, will join the BBL following the Sydney Test against South Africa.

Only two of the 12 platinum-level players in the BBL draft have not been signed by franchises in rival leagues – David Willey and Shadab Khan, although the Pakistan leg-spinner is also expected to be unavailable for a period in mid-January due to international commitments.

Lynn's deal comes after CA also brokered a deal with Warner to join the Sydney Thunder and end a nine-year BBL hiatus after the Aussie opener was also linked to the new UAE league.

While Warner will have his Thunder contract topped up by CA similar to platinum internationals in the draft, CA is not paying anything to boost Lynn's salary above what the Strikers have offered within their salary cap.

The compromise is still set to be a massive financial windfall for Lynn who earlier this month was announced as one of 21 marquee recruits for the inaugural edition of the ILT20.

While the details of Lynn's deal with the Gulf Giants remain private, the top players in the UAE league stand to earn up to A$650,000 for the five-week tournament, with the Queenslander also tipped to earn a six-figure sum for his Big Bash stint.

As per International Cricket Council regulations, Lynn – who scored 3,005 runs striking at 148.83 in 11 seasons with the Heat – must obtain an NOC from his home board to be able to play in a foreign domestic competition.

And although the right-hander didn't hold a domestic cricket contract in Australia up until today, the ICC regulations make it clear that he still requires clearance from CA to play overseas.

Lynn holds several BBL records including most sixes, most scores over 50 and being the only batter to pass 3,000 runs and is coming off a fantastic T20 Blast season with English county Northamptonshire where he smashed two centuries in a season tally of 516 runs from 11 matches.

Having recently welcomed the arrival of his first child, Lynn said he would be arriving at Adelaide Oval "fit and strong and ready to score a heap of runs".

"Even more importantly, put on a show for the fans, who are the backbone of the Adelaide Strikers," Lynn said.

"It's always such a great atmosphere walking into Adelaide Oval, and not only that but walking over the bridge on game day, the atmosphere in the city is great."

Strikers head coach Jason Gillespie said a player of Lynn's calibre was an outstanding acquisition for the club.

"He is a proven match-winner, an experienced leader and a great character to have around the group," he said.

The Strikers will add more talent to their squad for BBL|12 at the inaugural overseas player draft on Sunday night where they have indicated they will retain Rashid Khan with their fifth pick despite the Afghanistan leg-spinner also departing the competition in early January to join the MI Cape Town franchise in the South Africa T20 league.

Adelaide Strikers BBL|12 squad (so far): Wes Agar, Cameron Boyce, Alex Carey, Harry Conway, Ryan Gibson, Travis Head, Henry Hunt, Thomas Kelly, Chris Lynn, Harry Nielsen, Matt Short, Jake Weatherald, Henry Thorton

The BBL|12 Draft will be held on Sunday, August 28 and broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo Sports following the first ODI between Australia and Zimbabwe in Townsville.

Click here for a full list of players to have nominated for the BBL|12 Draft.