Perth Scorchers coach Justin Langer is confident rival sides won’t be able to poach in-form opener Simon Katich for next summer’s Big Bash League.
But whether Katich is available to play in the BBL at all next summer remains up in the air.
Katich has starred for the Scorchers this season, producing a series of match-winning knocks to put the franchise on track for a third straight finals appearance.
The 38-year-old had initially planned to make this summer his last hurrah in the BBL, prompting him to take a job as player development coordinator with AFL side Greater Western Sydney.
But Langer is keen to hold on to the former Test star, and hopes an arrangement can be made with GWS where Katich is given time off to play in the BBL next season.
“If Simon Katich has got even a millimetre of interest in playing next year, we’ll certainly be doing everything we can to have him here,” Langer said.
“He’s a brilliant leader, a great person. He’s batted really well. You know he’s going to be meticulously prepared.
“If he wants to play, we’d welcome him back.
“I know there’s other franchises already sniffing around. That’s the business we’re in.
“But I’d be confident that if he’s going to play, he’d want to play here.”