About Hitman for Hire: A year in the life of a franchise cricketer
Join pro-cricketer David Wiese for an insight into cricket’s biggest leagues previously reserved for the sport’s superstars. Hitman for Hire: A year in the life of a franchise cricketer invites listeners to join David as he travels the world from one T20 gig to another. In candid conversations with host, Sam Keir, David reveals the truth about life on and off the pitch at the Indian Premier League, Major League Cricket, The Hundred and other high-profile tournaments.
Discover which player was picked up in his Bentley while the rest of the squad waited for the team bus, which tournament to save your best performances for if you’re hoping for a big-money IPL deal, and what is fast replacing golf as the professional cricketer’s day-off activity of choice. Learn how abuse on social media is affecting players, how batters change their approach when qualification is no longer possible, and what cricket’s big names really think of the big issues impacting the game.
Go behind the dressing room door with Hitman for Hire: A year in the life of a franchise cricketer.
Following the end of the regular series, we catch up with David to look back at Namibia's T20 World Cup campaign, explore his decision to end his international career and, of course, answer YOUR questions.
Those questions covered topics such as how much of their sale price does a player actually receive, the fallout from David's comments regarding the Kolkata Knight Riders head coach, dealing with abusive fans, The Hundred sell-off, advice for youngsters, most feared opponents and more.
Thanks so much for sending them in!
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13 May 2024
Ep. 12 - Year in Review
It's the end of our twelve months in the company of our Hitman for Hire, so in this final episode of the series David looks back at the year as a whole and picks his highlights, lowlights and shares some more great stories from the circuit.
Find out which of David's teams he thinks would win a round-robin tournament, which superstar is most unlike their on-field persona behind the scenes, the order in which David would rank the tournaments he's played in over the year, the teammate habit that drives him mad, his toughest opponent, which player he had to beg for kit after an airline lost his baggage and much, much more!
COMING SOON: Bonus episode! David will be answering YOUR questions about the life of a franchise cricketer. Get in touch via the methods below.
Follow the show:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hitman_pod/
X: twitter.com/hitman_pod
Get in touch:
Email: hitmanforhirepod@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-keir-aa043078/
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6 May 2024
Ep. 11 - SA20
It's February 2024 and David opens up about a difficult time playing for Joburg Super Kings in the SA20, the final tournament of our year together. We learn how past performances count for nothing if you don't make a good first impression with a coach, how quickly pre-tournament assurances can disappear and how difficult it is to break into a starting XI once you've been left out. We examine the pros and cons of staying at home rather than in a team hotel, choosing between tournaments and the possible regrets, how the SA20 is reshaping cricket in South Africa and the latest craze to dominate days off during franchise tournaments.
Also on the agenda: growing up with Faf du Plessis, two-hour commutes, the best play-off system to decide finalists, crowd catches, creating household names, 3rd XI Test teams, the evolution of dressing room culture, drinking brandy in Paarl and the secrets of the relay catch.
David's stats from the tournament: https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/sa20-2023-24-15679?team=6987
David does the hard work for a relay catch with Leus du Plooy: https://youtu.be/OHGcBSazhmY?si=qTWpL1oQN7q6r1RL&t=177
COMING SOON: Bonus episode! David will be answering YOUR questions about the life of a franchise cricketer. Get in touch via the methods below.
Follow the show:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hitman_pod/
X: twitter.com/hitman_pod
Get in touch:
Email: hitmanforhirepod@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-keir-aa043078/
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29 Apr 2024
Ep. 10 - Abu Dhabi T10
It's December 2023 and David has just returned from the Abu Dhabi T10 where he was playing for losing finalists, Deccan Gladiators. Is T10 a format the players take seriously? Are we at 'peak franchise'? Who does this tournament exist for? Could T10 be the perfect format for growing the game globally? How do players protect themselves from corruption?
Also on the agenda: hourly rates, the Rugby 7s of cricket, who is known as Mr. T10, why saving your best performances for the Abu Dhabi T10 could be a shrewd move, Indian players in leagues other than the IPL, Rashid Khan's aversion to T10, suspicious no balls and staying in shape over Christmas.
David's stats from the tournament: https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/abu-dhabi-t10-2023-24-15945?team=6683
David slams 20 from 11 balls in the final: https://youtu.be/FvSFI1Fqp5E?si=iZxIHE7thuVJX3Du&t=297
COMING SOON: Bonus episode! David will be answering YOUR questions about the life of a franchise cricketer. Get in touch via the methods below.
Follow the show:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hitman_pod/
X: twitter.com/hitman_pod
Get in touch:
Email: hitmanforhirepod@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-keir-aa043078/
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22 Apr 2024
Ep. 9 - T20 World Cup Qualifier
It's late November 2023 and - away from the glitz and glamour of the big franchise leagues - David is representing Nambia in their bid to qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup. We find out why a franchise cricketer earning big money still chooses to turn out for an adopted nation in relatively low-key qualifying tournaments, and explore the reality of life for those associate cricketers without David's profile. We also hear how David is coming to terms with not being retained for the 2024 IPL.
Also on the agenda: the cutthroat nature of associate cricket, parents watching on from camping chairs, choosing Namibia over the riches of the Abu Dhabi T10, finding belonging in an otherwise transient existence, sharing rooms with teammates, being the big name player at a tournament, cricket vs. football in Africa, messages from the Namibian president and talk of the 2026 T20 World Cup terrifying David's wife!
David's stats from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier: https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/icc-men-s-t20-world-cup-africa-region-qualifier-2023-24-15904?team=28
David's post match interview after Namibia secured qualification for the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ubj4R-JmNfo&t=59s
COMING SOON: Bonus episode! David will be answering YOUR questions about the life of a franchise cricketer. Get in touch via the methods below.
Follow the show:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hitman_pod/
X: twitter.com/hitman_pod
Get in touch:
Email: hitmanforhirepod@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-keir-aa043078/
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14 Apr 2024
Ep. 8 - Hitman at Home
It's November 2023 and David is at home in Pretoria. After more than eight months of alomst uninterrupted travel, he's finally had the chance to enjoy an extended spell at home. As well as exploring what a franchise cricketer gets up to when he's not at a tournament, the conversation digs deeper into David's relationship with the sport that has become his livelihood.
Also on the agenda: not being recognised by your kids, the anxieties of unemployment, why loving the game can be bad for your career, ignoring the Cricket World Cup, relying on favours from the local team to stay in nick, a one-man mission to save the yorker, dismaying South African rugby fans, why you should keep your chats in the gym brief, hustling for the next gig and being your agent's 'small dog'.
COMING SOON: Bonus episode! David will be answering YOUR questions about the life of a franchise cricketer. Get in touch via the methods below:
Follow the show:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hitman_pod/
X: twitter.com/hitman_pod
Get in touch:
Email: hitmanforhirepod@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-keir-aa043078/
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8 Apr 2024
Ep. 7 - The Hundred
It's September 2023, and David has recently returned from playing for Northern Superchargers in English cricket's other short-form competition. The Hundred has provoked plenty of debate since its inception in 2021, so it was perhaps appropriate that - as well as looking back at his experience in the tournament itself - David gave a player's view on some of the issues surrounding the wider franchise game.
On the agenda: how quickly the wheels can come off a campaign, the blame game, how players respond to a new format, building a team brand from scratch, quick maths in run chases, lifestyle vs. cash, friendly rivalry with the women's team, the dangers of a bad attitude, Hamilton in the West End, team BBQs, Tik Tok and the franchise bubble reaching bursting point.
David smashes 54 off 25 balls in a thrilling win against Trent Rockets: https://youtu.be/XMBjYNoXBQI?si=SJBvABOG9k3wjLAn&t=257
Handing out bucket hats to the kids of Leeds: https://youtube.com/shorts/tjWj9RHDsk4?si=IHpGKvNVG1YJ2EmS
David's tournament stats: https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/the-hundred-men-s-competition-2023-15216?team=6676
Follow the show:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hitman_pod/
X: twitter.com/hitman_pod
Get in touch:
Email: hitmanforhirepod@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-keir-aa043078/
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1 Apr 2024
Ep. 6 - Major League Cricket
It's August 2023 and David has recently left the USA where he was playing for MI New York in the first edition of Major League Cricket. We discover how the American people responded to the tournament, how players made the most of American culture and plenty more.
On the agenda: playing cricket at baseball stadiums, no nets to train in, tech finance, catching without mitts, singing the Star Spangled Banner, accessorising the Texan way, adopted Americans (via Durham and Durban), the English summer under threat, possibly the greatest T20 innings of all time, 2am Zoom calls and a night at the rodeo.
David's stats from the tournament: https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/major-league-cricket-2023-15244?team=7081
David takes two crucial diving catches in the Eliminator: https://youtu.be/wNo-j_fRkgQ?si=smdTirIrktAskeyO&t=1287
Follow the show:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hitman_pod/
X: twitter.com/hitman_pod
Get in touch:
Email: hitmanforhirepod@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-keir-aa043078/
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25 Mar 2024
Ep. 5 - Vitality Blast
It's the end of June 2023, and David and his Yorkshire Vikings have one game remaining in the group stage of the Vitality Blast. David has had a decent tournament with bat and ball, but his role off the pitch at a club still dealing with the aftermath of a racism scandal has been almost as important. He highlights the many differences of playing for a county when compared to the newer franchise teams.
On the agenda: random breaks for four-day cricket, being one of just two overseas players, points deductions, IPL stars desperate to play in the Blast, players missing games after getting stuck on the motorway, taking the field at club grounds, the Roses match, managing commitments in overlapping tournaments and more to boot!
David's stats from the 2023 Vitality Blast: https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/vitality-blast-2023-15160?team=1515
David rescues the Vikings against Leicestershire: https://youtu.be/PxOyc5ZTcqc?si=FtppmWZQ1NE_ZSAN&t=157
Follow the show:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hitman_pod/
X: twitter.com/hitman_pod
Get in touch:
Email: hitmanforhirepod@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-keir-aa043078/
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18 Mar 2024
Ep. 4 - Indian Premier League (part two)
It's May 2023 and David looks back at a disappointing IPL for him and his team Kolkata Knight Riders. He discusses adjusting to being part of a squad but not playing regularly, and gives an insider's view of how a team reacts when things don't go their way.
On the agenda: birthday cake in the face, entering the orbit of MS Dhoni, social media scrutiny, unpopular coaching styles and dressing room disquiet, outrageous displays of wealth, sharing a drink with a Bollywood star, the role of the all-rounder under threat, batters playing for themselves, year-round contracts, and team owners vs. the BCCI!
The DRS decision David still can't believe went against him (13m24s): https://www.iplt20.com/video/48668/m33-kkr-vs-csk--match-highlights?tagNames=2023
David's stats from the tournament: https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/indian-premier-league-2023-15129?team=4341
Follow the show:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hitman_pod/
X: twitter.com/hitman_pod
Get in touch:
Email: hitmanforhirepod@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-keir-aa043078/
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11 Mar 2024
Ep. 1 - Becoming a Hitman for Hire
How does Brexit combine with cricket's T20 gold rush to create our Hitman for Hire?
In the first episode of Hitman for Hire - A year in the life of a franchise cricketer, professional cricketer David Wiese explains how the loss of a full-time contract in English county cricket led him to become a freelancer, earning his living from one T20 tournament to another.
David's ESPNCricinfo profile: www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/david-wiese-221140
David in action back in his Sussex days: https://youtu.be/_9CAD5GIHsI?si=MWpj9-ptZ7QQ1ueJ&t=182
Follow the show:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hitman_pod/
X: twitter.com/hitman_pod
Get in touch:
Email: hitmanforhirepod@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-keir-aa043078/
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11 Mar 2024
Ep. 3 - Indian Premier League (part one)
It's early April 2023, and David is settling in at the IPL where he is representing Kolkata Knight Riders. He recounts a dramatic night on and off the pitch at the PSL final, before letting us in on the build up and start of the biggest T20 tournament of the year.
On the agenda: being overtaken by a teammate on the way out to bat, how to pack for four months away, the inner workings of the IPL auction, avoiding being part of a music video, Andre Russell's advice on crowd management, trying to catch the coach's eye and plenty more!
The kind of content David was asked to contribute to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sgpTl-y5SI
Perfecting his skills ahead of the tournament: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DOoRBw6My1g
Follow the show:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hitman_pod/
X: twitter.com/hitman_pod
Get in touch:
Email: hitmanforhirepod@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-keir-aa043078/
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11 Mar 2024
Ep. 2 - Pakistan Super League
It's late February 2023, and we begin our year in the life of a franchise cricketer by joining David Wiese in Pakistan where he's playing in the PSL for Lahore Qalandars.
On the agenda: armoured buses, iPhones to encourage effort in the field, an inflatable heart for Rashid Khan, Haris Rauf losing his head, some of the most fanatical supporters in the world and plenty more!
David's POTM performance with the ball against Islamabad United: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Or2KCbS1YM
David's stats from the 2023 PSL: https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/pakistan-super-league-2022-23-14923?team=5799
Follow the show:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hitman_pod/
X: twitter.com/hitman_pod
Get in touch:
Email: hitmanforhirepod@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-keir-aa043078/
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19 Feb 2024
Trailer - behind the scenes on the T20 franchise circuit
New episodes every Monday.
Pro cricketer David Wiese reveals all about life in the world’s biggest T20 leagues. In candid conversations with host, Sam Keir, the all-rounder takes us behind the scenes at the Pakistan Super League, Indian Premier League, Vitality Blast, Major League Cricket, The Hundred, Abu Dhabi T10 and SA 20. Discover the truth about sharing a dressing room (and hotels, planes, restaurants, golf courses...) with the biggest names in world cricket.
Follow the show:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hitman_pod/
X: twitter.com/hitman_pod
Get in touch:
Email: hitmanforhirepod@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-keir-aa043078/
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