Tom Banton pulls out of Big Bash stint with Brisbane Heat

Banton cited concerns about quarantine rules in Australia and the possibility of bubble fatigue when informing his franchise this week that he would not be going back for a second season

Tom Banton has withdrawn from his planned return to Brisbane Heat in this year's Big Bash.

Banton cited concerns about quarantine rules in Australia and the possibility of bubble fatigue when informing his franchise this week that he would not be going back for a second season.

Brisbane will now begin the search for a suitable replacement overseas player.

“We had some good conversations with Tom during The Hundred about his intentions and certainly gave him the time and space to make his decision,’’ Brisbane Heat head coach Wade Seccombe said.

^{Tom Banton will not play in the Big Bash this season}

“In the end, he was honest and upfront with his decision-making and told us how disappointed he was not to be coming out, but we understand and accept his decision.

“We support Tom as we do all of our players. I’m sure that our fans and supporters will join us in wishing him the best in the future with his cricket.”

Banton said: “It was a difficult decision but one that I know was the right one for me given the situation,’’ he said.

“I’d like to thank the club for their understanding and the Heat fans, who made it such a memorable experience when I was there last time.”