Image: Steve Smith will prioritise franchise T20 cricket and plans to play as long as he's fit / © YouTube
Being considered as a Test legend, Steve Smith has also been a significant figure in white-ball cricket. Although not regarded as a T20 specialist, Smith has contributed well in limited-overs formats. Recently, in his 15th year of international cricket, he addressed rumors about his retirement, revealing his intention to focus on franchise cricket for the foreseeable future. Smith expressed his love for T20 leagues, stating that he will continue playing in them as long as his body and mind allow.
Smith’s performance in recent matches further proves his form, including his remarkable century for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25. He scored an unbeaten 121 from 64 balls, leading his team to a commanding total of 220 runs. He said:
I think I will play plenty of franchise stuff for a while, I enjoy playing in the T20 comps. There are so many around the world now that you can get involved in. I dare say I will play in them for some time, but how long? Who knows. As long as the body is good and the mind is still good and I want to keep playing and keep improving, I will play for as long as I can. I’ve enjoyed the last couple of years when I get the opportunity to play for the Sixers, I think I’ve got three hundreds in seven innings. It’s been good fun and I love coming back and playing for the Sixers, I’ve been involved since the outset of the tournament and I enjoy playing here.
Despite being primarily a Test player, Smith’s involvement in T20 cricket has become a vital part of his career. He also mentioned his enjoyment of playing for Sydney Sixers and his consistent performance with three hundred in seven innings, solidifying his place in the T20 league scene.