Laughlin finds cricket passion again despite no BBL deal

On unassuming local grounds along the Queensland coast, a bowler with a devastating yorker has been quietly plying his trade every Saturday since the start of September.

That yorker, which has undone the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Shane Watson and AB de Villiers, has been no match for the batters turning out each weekend in the Sunshine Coast Cricket Association.

With 30 wickets at an average of 7.47 from 14 games, this right-arm quick has barely conceded above 20 runs this year in any format and looks odds on to take out a league bowling award.

It's a far cry from the glitzy lights of the KFC BBL, but the competition's highest ever wicket-taker tells cricket.com.au he is enjoying his cricket more than ever since the COVID-19 pandemic upended the world.

"It's been highly enjoyable, it's a bit more of an older man team, we've got a fair few plus-30s, which makes it a lot more enjoyable," Ben Laughlin says.

He has already helped his club, Tewantin-Noosa, win both the association's T20 and 50-over premierships this season.

But what's more remarkable is it could be the only cricket the star seamer plays this summer.

Despite being keen to play on, the 39-year-old T20 veteran is without contract on the eve of BBL|11, and barring a call up as a replacement player, he looks set to spend this season watching on.

During his 10 seasons in the competition, Laughlin claimed 111 wickets in 96 matches for the Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes, ahead of Sean Abbott on 106.

Laughlin says he still loves the game and is enjoying playing with some new teammates.

And while he admits he doesn't enjoy professional cricket as much he did before the COVID-era, he says he still would consider playing on if the right opportunity presented itself.

"I still really love the game, it's just last year with all the COVID stuff was probably by far the most unenjoyable season I've ever had with everything going on," he said.

"It still seems like there's going to be a few hoops to jump through for the boys so that side of it does not excite me at all.

"You never know, things change pretty quickly, so if we get back to a bit more normality, maybe I'm a chance of playing a few more games if someone needs a replacement player.

"I'm looking forward to having Christmas at home … but things do change quickly and if someone does present something that sounds pretty interesting, probably more so from a leadership and coaching perspective it's probably a bit more exciting, but we'll see how it plays out."

Despite seemingly not being able to go out on his own terms, the BBL's most successful bowler says that doesn't frustrate him.

"I still thought a couple of months after the season I was going to have a good crack again and try to go again," Laughlin says.

"But I think you just get to that point where the hunger dies a little bit and you're just not as keen as you used to be. In saying that, I still enjoy playing and the rivalry, it's just the amount of time that has to go into getting ready, I'm not missing all those hours."

The qualified carpenter says he has been spending his down time doing a few "little" renovations and landscaping his backyard at his home in Noosa.

"I did all my training at Noosa, I snuck down during the day and did my bowling down there, but I never really played for them," he tells cricket.com.au from Bunnings.

"I decided this year I would play some games for them.

"My eldest is now five and a half and just loves cricket, so it's nice to have him down and running around. He tossed the coin last week and he loved that."

As for what's next if this season doesn't come to fruition, Laughlin says he hasn't thought too much about it and he also hasn't spent much time yet reflecting on his illustrious BBL career.

"Maybe on Saturdays when the boys are asking me questions, I'll tell a few stories but not too much yet," he said.

"My eldest likes to remind me about the catch I took last year so it's always nice to show him that replay and reminisce.

"My wife and I have been umming and ahing about what to do next, if it's moving somewhere or changing everything up a bit … we've got lots of options."