BackPageLead understands that Shane Warne may still have a role to play in Australian cricket. While Cricket Australia reassembles itself from the top down, the game's greatest ever bowler remains a possibility to compete in the revamped Big Bash League.

The Victorian's most likely destination looks to be one of the two Melbourne-based sides, the Stars and the Renegades. It is understood that these franchises are actively courting Warne but unsurprisingly are not alone in their interest.

The increasingly svelte superstar divides his time between his Melbourne home and his base in London, where he is currently, commentating on the England versus India Test series. Warne is also enjoying a high profile relationship with British model, Liz Hurley.

The Stars' MCG base is an obvious drawcard and, though strong, their 15-man squad does not contain any obvious budget-busters, like the Renegades' Shahid Afridi, indicating there could still be room in their inaugural salary cap to accommodate the leg-spinner. There are also connections between Warne and the board of the Melbourne Stars, which could offer another recruitment advantage.

Shaun Tait, a Melbourne Renegades marquee signing, stoked the issue this week on Triple M radio, suggesting, "I think we're a chance [of signing Warne] obviously we're in his home town - he'll be around Melbourne."

If rumours are to be believed, Warne is already planning to spend the summer in Melbourne, with his partner and their combined family, thereby overcoming one obvious hurdle.

Negotiations are at an early stage but Warne is expected back in Australia in September, at which point more serious discussions could take place.

Since retiring from Test cricket in 2007, Warne has continued to play T20 in India as captain of the Rajasthan Royals. He has also coached the franchise, but with Greg Shipperd already installed at the Stars he is unlikely to reprise that role this summer.

Warne's many commitments, including commentating for Channel Nine during the summer Test series against India, could restrict his involvement in the first city-based BBL. However, even the chance of a cameo from the Australian legend is sure to add to the gate of any contest in which he is involved. Similarly any engagement as a brand ambassador is sure to help the cause of one of the two sides competing for the affections of Victoria's previously united cricketing public.

Of the recent champions of Australian cricket only Matthew Hayden has so far agreed to participate in this summer's BBL. Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey are both contracted to franchises but are unlikely to see much action owing to their involvement in the Australian Test side.