The Sydney Sixers have emerged as a favourite to snare AB de Villiers as a battle looms with the Melbourne franchises to win the signature of the South African great for this summer's Big Bash League.
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Batting superstar de Villiers, known for his innovative strokeplay, has retired from international cricket but is expected to continue playing in domestic Twenty20 tournaments.
Fairfax Media can confirm there is interest from the Sixers, Sydney Thunder, Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades. He would be a boon for a tournament that lacked international star power last summer.
Sixers general manager Jodie Hawkins revealed on Thursday the glamour club had been in touch with de Villiers' management for about a year. The Sixers, who have a vacancy available on their roster for an international player, can sell de Villiers the benefits of playing at the SCG.
"We've definitely got the [international] spot and a bit of budget to play with. We're in a good position to put in quite a competitive offer. He seems like the kind of guy who's going to try and find the right fit - I think he'll want the experience as much as he wants the money," Hawkins said.
"We've always been keen to throw the hat in the ring should he become available."
Thunder general manager Lee Germon, also seeking two imports, said coach Shane Bond and cricket director Mike Hussey were at the Indian Premier League assessing options.
"We’re currently working through our overseas options for the upcoming season. Sydney Thunder is always looking to sign high-profile international players and AB de Villiers falls into that category," he said.
De Villiers, 34, cited exhaustion as a reason why he had retired but the veteran of 114 Tests, 228 one-day internationals and 78 Twenty20 internationals will continue to play domestic cricket in South Africa.
"I have no plans to play overseas, in fact, I hope I can continue to be available for the Titans in domestic cricket. I will continue to be the biggest supporter of Faf du Plessis and the Proteas," he said.
However, his plans could change after he has a break, for he has had exhausting home Test series against India and Australia and a season in the IPL with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in recent months.
The Stars are seeking replacements for the retired Kevin Pietersen and opening batsman Luke Wright, the latter delisted. They have confirmed they will check on de Villiers' status, while Renegades chief executive Stuart Coventry said the former Proteas' skipper would be a prized asset.
"We're working through the final make-up of our squad at the moment. Obviously, AB de Villiers is an incredible talent and, if he was to be available, he would be a significant asset to any club," he said.
Cricket Australia's leagues general manager Anthony Everard tweeted that de Villiers' retirement would have made Thursday "a whole lot more interesting" for general managers of BBL clubs.
South Africa's Twenty20 tournament, the Ram Slam, last year ended on December 16, just days before the BBL began. While an expanded BBL could begin earlier this year, a BBL franchise would almost certainly allow him to miss a couple of matches if he was keen to play in the majority of the tournament.
Should he be available, De Villiers could also expect to be offered a commentary contract by new broadcasters Channel Seven and Fox Sports, keen to make a splash in their debut season.
CA had offered bonus marketing contracts to international stars in the early years of the BBL but last year this added income was only available to Australian players.
Pietersen, who had initially enjoyed a marketing contract, and New Zealand master blaster Brendon McCullum had commentary contracts with Channel 10 last summer.
While De Villiers has always kept a low profile, he would be the the ideal batting replacement for Pietersen, who had been an explosive force until last season when age - and motivation - caught up with the former England maverick.
The Renegades had all-rounder Dwayne Bravo and spinner Mohammad Nabi as their imports last season but have yet to confirm that either will return. There has been speculation Bravo will not, and could join the Stars.
De Villiers remains one of the more remarkably skilled sportsmen to have played cricket, for he was a standout in junior tennis, hockey, badminton and swimming. His decision to retire has robbed world cricket of one of its biggest drawcards. Many South African supporters had hoped he would play through next year's World Cup in England, a tournament that remains the "final frontier" for the Proteas.
"It's not about earning more somewhere else, it's about running out of gas and feeling that it is the right time to move on," de Villiers said.
"Everything comes to an end. To the cricket fans around South Africa and the world, thank you for your kindness and generosity, and today, for your understanding."
