Nic Maddinson Re-Signs with Sydney Thunder as He Nears Return After Cancer Treatment

Former Australia batter Nic Maddinson is edging closer to a return to elite cricket after signing a new one-year deal with the Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Big Bash League season. The 33-year-old has spent much of the year recovering from testicular cancer but has recently resumed playing club cricket in Sydney.

Maddinson last featured at professional level in March for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield before being diagnosed with cancer. He underwent nine weeks of chemotherapy after doctors discovered the disease had spread to his abdominal lymph nodes and lung. Follow-up scans confirmed the treatment was successful, allowing him to begin training again. He has since played four matches for Eastern Suburbs.

"I'm really happy to be staying with Thunder," Maddinson said. "There’s been a few setbacks for myself lately, but I’ve had amazing support from my friends, family and the club. Now I'm just keen to lock in, get the season started and hopefully help the boys go one better than last year."

Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said the club was delighted to retain Maddinson and confident he would make a strong impact on and off the field.
"We are pleased to have Maddo re-sign with us," Copeland said. "I know how eager he was to play in front of the Thunder Nation before his injury, and I know that eagerness has doubled since then."

Maddinson, a left-hander who played three Tests for Australia in 2016 and six T20 internationals, has previously represented the Sydney Sixers, Melbourne Stars, and Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash. He returned to New South Wales last season and initially signed with the Thunder but missed the entire BBL due to a hand injury.

His return this summer would mark his first appearance in the competition since the 2021–22 season.