Australian cricketers David Warner and Steve Smith have signed new contracts with Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers, respectively, ahead of the Big Bash League 2024-25 season, starting December 15.

Warner, who retired from international cricket in July this year, will be available to play a full BBL season for the first time in his career. The 37-year-old opening batter has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with the Sydney Thunder.

In the last two BBL seasons, Warner played a combined eight matches for the Thunder after a 10-year hiatus from the Australian T20 cricket competition. With Warner’s schedule no longer an issue since he stepped away from internationals, the southpaw has committed for a full season.

Warner has featured in 11 Big Bash League matches in his career – 10 for the Sydney Thunder and just one for the Sydney Sixers. He has scored 301 runs in his BBL career with the best of 102 coming off for Sydney Thunder against Melbourne Stars back in 2011.