MILLION-DOLLAR DEAL

Chris Lynn signs million-dollar contract with Brisbane Heat

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

"I'm honoured that the Heat have shown confidence in me for the coming seasons" - Lynn © Getty

Chris Lynn, the big-hitting Queensland batsman, has penned a five-year million-dollar deal with the BBL franchise, Brisbane Heat. Lynn's contract is said to be the biggest pay deal ever signed in the tournament's history.

Lynn, who has represented Heat since 2011, is one of the most sought after players going around in the BBL, but he opted to continue with the same franchise until the 2021-22 season. The franchise has also decided to renew contracts of Daniel Vettori, head coach, and Shane Bond, assistant coach, over a three-year period.

Lynn, who sustained a left shoulder injury while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in this year's IPL, underwent a surgery in July and was subsequently omitted from Queensland's contract list for the 2017-18 domestic season. Incidentally, his last one-day appearance for Queensland came four seasons ago and he featured in just one Sheffield Shield match last season.

Lynn has suffered three shoulder injuries during the last two years. The hard-hitting batsman had also noted that he perhaps needs to stop diving around in the field to ensure that he could play competitive cricket for a longer period of time.

Despite sustaining multiple shoulder injuries, Lynn has been a powerhouse of Heat's batting line-up in the BBL, evidenced by the enterprising batsman averaging 154.5 and at a strike rate of 177.58 last season. Lynn has also won the BBL player of the year for two seasons in a row.

"I've had some good reports from the surgeon and the Queensland Cricket medical staff and we're working to the recovery plan. It is feeling okay now, although there is still a way to go," he said.

"I'm honoured that the Heat have shown confidence in me for the coming seasons and given us the opportunity to achieve something special as a club in the future," Lynn added.

Lynn also observed that it has been a memorable experience to play alongside Heat's captain, Brendon McCullum, in the BBL. Under McCullum's leadership, Heat reached the semifinals of the tournament last year.

"To be in the same side as a legend like Brendon McCullum and enjoy some success along the way made it even more memorable," he said. "The fact we have locked-up Vettori and Bond and a good proportion of our squad for the next few years bodes well for the future," he added.

"The Heat has evolved into a club for all Queensland fans and we're determined to make a success of the opportunity we have ahead of us. It was one of the best experiences of my career to play in front of five sold-out home crowds at the Gabba," he observed.

© Cricbuzz

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