Steve Smith returns to cricket in Global T20 Canada League

Steve Smith commits to return to cricket next month as part of Global T20 Canada League with David Warner expected to follow suit.

Steve Smith with his father Peter as he confronts the media over the ball tampering scandal. Picture: /Getty Images.

Steve Smith has committed to return to cricket next month as part of the Global T20 Canada League with David Warner expected to follow suit in next Tuesday’s player draft.

Smith was named as one of 10 marquee players at the launch of the inaugural tournament which was held on Thursday.

Cameron Bancroft had also expressed interest in putting his name into the draft.

Players have been wary about committing to the tournament which is being hastily assembled.

The three have been banned from cricket since the ball tampering scandal in the third Test in South Africa. Smith and Warner face 12 month bans while Bancroft received a nine month penalty.

Chris Lynn, Shahid Afridi, Dwayne Bravo, Chris Gayle, Lasith Malinga, David Miller, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Darren Sammy were also revealed as marquee players.

Steven Smith's name appears on the list of marquee players.

Lynn’s presence is curious given he was left out of Australia’s T20 squad which will be playing one match in England and a tri series in Zimbabwe around the same period. Cricket Australia said at the time of the squad announcement the batsman would be returning for further consultation on an injured shoulder

The tournament features six teams, five representing Canadian cities and one West Indian outfit.

Each side will have four local players and compete in a 22 match tournament culminating in a final on July 16.

The entire tournament will be held at the 7000 seat capacity Maple Leaf Cricket Club.

Tournament organisers are expected to take the series to broadcasters now that the marquee players have been confirmed.

“Global T20 Canada marks the first time a nation with associate member status is launching a league — a major step forward in cricket’s global development,” Ranjit Saini, President, Cricket Canada, said.

“Canadian cricket fans will have a great opportunity to see up close many of the world’s greatest players, and I’d like to thank International Cricket Council, CWI and the international cricket community for their guidance and support in growing cricket in Canada.”