Renegades import Tim Seifert throws support behind New Zealand BBL expansion
New Renegades Kiwi import Tim Seifert has thrown his support behind a potential BBL expansion across the ditch, after the booming success of A-League and NRL’s New Zealand additions.
Big Bash
Don't miss out on the headlines from Big Bash. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Melbourne Renegades’ Kiwi import Tim Seifert says a BBL franchise would be a boon for T20 cricket in New Zealand.
As Canberra’s bid to be the next BBL franchise gathers momentum, Seifert said expansion into New Zealand would be an “outstanding” move.
As Code Sports reported earlier this month, Cricket Australia would be interested in investigating the commercial and strategic value of having a team in New Zealand.
Singapore has also been floated as a possible home for a satellite team.
“That’s what the T20 probably needs back home, a little bit of hype,” Seifert said.
“That’s what the Big Bash is all about and that’s got the little brother-big brother scenario in there as well which could be quite exciting being involved in a non-Australian team.
“It would be exciting. Time will tell if that ever does happen.”
New Zealand’s Super Smash tournament kicks off on Boxing Day, with centrally contracted players required to make themselves available.
Seifert, paceman Lockie Ferguson (Thunder), openers Colin Munro (Heat) and Finn Allen (Scorchers) and replacement player Adam Milne (Stars) are the Kiwis signed for BBL14.
“If you look at the A-League or the NRL, there are Kiwi teams involved. That’s above my pay grade to sort that out,” he said.
“But as a player it would be an amazing thing to have potentially a Kiwi team involved in the Big Bash.”
A-League expansion side Auckland FC has averaged crowds of 19,534 at its first four home matches, while New Zealand Warriors smashed attendance records in the NRL this year.
Seifert will make his Renegades debut on Monday when they take on Sydney Sixers at the SCG.
The experienced gloveman said captain Will Sutherland had trained strongly this week as he looks to overcome a side strain.
“Seeing him in the nets, he’s whacking the ball out of the ground. His side must be feeling good,” he said.
Seifert has signed with Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20, but will be available for the entirety of Melbourne Renegades’ BBL campaign.
More Coverage
Originally published as Renegades import Tim Seifert throws support behind New Zealand BBL expansion
‘Lot to build on’: Star batter extends Heat stay
Brisbane Heat has locked in the services of a star batsman who was a shining light last season for another three years.
The young stars to feature in Australia’s foray into T10 cricket
Seventeen-year-old Aryan Sharma will be in the action when Cricket Victoria launches T10 in Australia with a five-team tournament at the Junction Oval this month.