AUSTRALIA batsman David Warner and allrounder Marcus Stoinis have withdrawn from the inaugural season of The Hundred due to complications related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said.
Both players have been named in Australia's preliminary squads for the limited-overs tours to the West Indies and Bangladesh, which clash with The Hundred's July-August window.
"It is obviously disappointing to lose players with the ability of David and Marcus, but the realities of Covid means there are practicalities that are difficult for some overseas players to overcome," the ECB said in a statement on Thursday (10).
"Replacement overseas players will be signed by Southern Brave, and we look forward to The Hundred showcasing world class cricket this summer."
Warner and Stoinis had contracts worth £100,000 and £80,000 pounds respectively with the Southern Brave for The Hundred, which is due to begin next month.
The ECB has invested heavily in the competition, which it hopes will attract younger audiences to the sport. Matches will comprise 100 balls per innings with a change of ends after 10 deliveries.
The launch of the inaugural edition was postponed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Beets, bears, and brilliant chaos—Dwight Schrute was ready to make Schrute Farms the weirdest B&B on TVGetty Images 
Too fabulous to function—Jean-Ralphio was born to star in his own disaster-fuelled comedyGetty Images 
Omar - a prequel about his early days could’ve been HBO’s next gritty masterpieceGetty Images
Deadpan, dark, and delightful—April Ludgate’s FBI spin-off would’ve been everythingGetty Images
Sassy, spiritual, and full of secrets—Lafayette’s backstory was screaming for a supernatural seriesGetty Images
From Victorian poetry to vampire slaying, Spike’s centuries-long saga deserved its own spotlightGetty Images
Confidence, quirks, and questionable fashion—Schmidt’s next chapter could’ve been rom-com goldGetty Images
The villain we hated to love—Negan did get his spin-off, and it’s a bloody good oneGetty Images
Whimsical and wise—Luna’s magical adventures would’ve been a dreamy, otherworldly delightGetty Images
Chaotic queen energy—Gina’s influencer-era spin-off would’ve broken the internetGetty Images 
Crispello was originally launched by Cadbury in the UK in 2012B&M 