SOUTH African Twenty20 franchise, Highveld Lions, have declared their interest in signing Andrew Symonds should the Australian allrounder opt to forego his international ambitions for a career as a freelance 20-over specialist.
Alan Kourie, the chief executive of the Lions and Gauteng Cricket Board, said a player of Symonds’ power and versatility would provide a tremendous boost to the Johannesburg-based franchise, which failed to win a game in South Africa’s Pro20 competition last season.
Domestic Twenty20 sides around the world are anxiously awaiting word on Symonds’ playing future, following his expulsion from the Australian squad on the eve of the World Twenty20 in England.
Symonds, who held lengthy discussions with his agent on Wednesday, is expected to announce his retirement from international cricket in the coming days to focus on his domestic Twenty20 career, freeing him to pursue opportunities in India, Australia, England and South Africa.
A Queensland official told Cricinfo on Wednesday the state association was expecting a decision from Symonds before the weekend regarding his commitment to the Bulls for next season. But given that Australia’s Big Bash tournament overlaps South Africa’s Pro20, Queensland may face a battle with South African franchises for Symonds’ signature. – Cricinfo
