Several star Australian cricketers, including Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff and Andrew Tye, have decided to take the freelance route after facing omission from Western Australia’s cricket contracts for the upcoming season. Their absence from the contract list means all four can explore freelance franchise opportunities worldwide, with several T20 league competitions occurring regularly.

While Stoinis and Agar were left out of Cricket Australia’s central contract list for 2024-25, Behrendorff was their T20I player of the year. Although all four will walk into the playing XI for WA in the 50-over Marsh Cup tournament, their omissions, mainly that of Agar, will raise concerns about cricket’s changing dynamics in today’s world.

Following missing out on getting regular games for his state side in the domestic competition, Agar, 30, will now explore more chances of playing in franchise-based T20 leagues. Agar might remain available for selection for Australia in ODIs and T20Is, falling to Corey Rocchiccioli as WA’s No. 1 Sheffield Shield spinner could have prompted him to opt against signing a WA contract this time.

Per the latest reports, the left-arm all-rounder, after consultation with WA’s General Manager of High Performance, Kade Harvey, WA coach Adam Voges, Australia coach Andrew McDonald and Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey, decided to go freelance. 

All four might be on the same page of willing to go freelance to turn up for different franchise-based T20 leagues worldwide, they have laid down different terms and conditions with their state board regarding their availability. 

While Agar, Jason and Tye will remain in the scheme of things regarding selection for Marsh Cup and Sheffield Shield when they are not playing any T20 cricket, Stoinis’ situation is different, considering his unavailability for WA last season.

However, earlier this year, Stoinis said he was open to playing for Western Australia if an opportunity arises, including playing Shield games. 

“Ashton, Jason and AJ will continue to be supported by our High-Performance program as valued members of the WA Cricket setup,” Harvey said.

Stoinis is currently playing for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. He signed a three-year deal in the Big Bash League with Melbourne Stars until 2026-27. The 34-year-old all-rounder had also plied his trade in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA for San Francisco Unicorns. 

With the T20 World Cup squad selection date around the corner, CA selectors will keep a keen eye on Stoinis’ performance in the IPL 2024.