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NSW rules out Clarke comeback

Test great won't feature for the Blues this summer but BBL still on the cards

While Michael Clarke still ponders a KFC Big Bash League comeback, Cricket NSW has confirmed the former Australia captain will not be seen in sky blue this summer.

Clarke has hinted at possibly returning to top flight cricket this summer in the BBL after walking out on his contract with the Melbourne Stars last year in the wake of his international retirement.

But there was also talk of the 35-year-old potentially suiting up for NSW for their defence of the Matador BBQs One-Day Cup this summer.

Cricket NSW confirmed in May they had spoken to Clarke about a return for the Blues, but the state association has confirmed the prolific right-hander will be not be part of the Blues' plans for 2016-17 in any format.

"Michael has decided against returning to elite cricket with the NSW Blues," a Cricket NSW spokesman told News Corp.

It's reported Clarke, who has not played for NSW since November 2013, would not be able to commit to the four-month Blues pre-season due to his business demands.

Clarke made his first-class debut for NSW as an 18-year-old in 1999 against the touring Indians, scoring 18 and 2 against a powerful side which was captained by Sourav Ganguly and included superstars Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble.

In 14 years, Clarke played 44 Sheffield Shield matches for the Blues, tallying 3,164 runs and 11 centuries.

While his state career looks set to be over, Clarke hasn't ruled out playing in the BBL this summer after making his T20 comeback last month with the Kowloon Cantons in the two-day Hong Kong T20 Blitz Tournament.

In two innings Clarke made 6 and 15 not out before rain washed out the weekend and his chance of posting a big total.

Clarke has previously been contracted with the Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars, but is yet to play a game in the city-based T20 tournament.

The Sydney Sixers spoke to Clarke about his playing future in February.

"We caught up with Michael a few weeks ago to chat about his interest in the Sixers and what he was looking to do moving forward,” Remond told AAP.

"We only have a few positions available on our roster and we are just working through our review process from last season. 

"With the World T20 and IPL coming up, no decisions on roster spots are likely to be made in the near future as we decide on what is going to work best for our club for BBL|06 and beyond. 

"It’s a long off season so we will wait and see how things pan out in the coming months."