Big Bash League side Hobart Hurricanes in talks to sign Stuart Broad

Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Hobart Hurricanes are in discussions with the fast bowler of England Stuart Broad in hopes of signing him for the upcoming Big Bash League season. Michael Roberts, the general manager of the Hobart Hurricanes confirmed the news and said that the franchise is not going to make any final decision regarding Broad’s confirmation until it is found that the player is free from national commitments in that period.

The England pacer’s availability will depend on his chances to earn a recall for England’s squad which will be on a three-month tour to India during the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017 for a Test series. The fifth Test of the series will be ending by 20 December, which is just three days before the BBL opener in Sydney. With this schedule, it can be expected that Broad will be available for the entire tournament.

As quoted by cricket.com.au in a press conference, the general manager Michael Roberts said, "Stuart Broad is one of a number of international players that we are currently in talks with.” Robert added, “The usual process with contracting internationals is to talk to a number of players and wait and see what their availability is with their national commitments during the Big Bash League period. Once it is clearer on a player’s availability, we can then progress talks from there.”

Broad, who has played only two One-day internationals since the World Cup 2015 is more interested in taking part in domestic leagues abroad. He believes that these leagues can reignite his limited-over careers. It is expected that on Tuesday, after the declaration of names of the England squad for their upcoming one-day series against Pakistan, the pacer’s role in the English team for their future plans in limited overs will be clear.

The English star had said, "I’m going to look at scheduling, whether it’s home or abroad, to try to play some white-ball cricket and there might be a decent opportunity after Christmas this year because there’s not a lot of Test cricket then until, I think, July.” Broad added, "The only way I’ll get back is by playing white-ball cricket and that’s the only way my skills will improve, too.”