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Cloud over Klinger's BBL after devastating news

Scorchers veteran Michael Klinger to put his family first after receiving heartbreaking news

Perth Scorchers star Michael Klinger's cricketing future is under a cloud after the veteran batsman revealed the devastating news his wife Cindy has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Klinger will put his family and his wife's health first and foremost as they prepare for their biggest fight yet, with his involvement with the KFC BBL defending champions this summer up in the air.

The Perth Scorchers will begin their BBL title defence at the SCG on Saturday against the Sydney Sixers and their squad for that match has yet to be named.

Their first home match at #TheFurnace is on Boxing Day, against the Melbourne Stars.

In an emotional open letter penned as the 37-year-old tried to come to terms with his wife's diagnosis, Klinger said he did not yet know what his immediate cricketing future would hold.

"Playing cricket, right at this moment, is secondary," Klinger wrote in a letter, which can be read in full here

"It still may happen, because Cindy wants me to play and says it will be a good distraction for her and the kids to see me do so, either on TV or at #TheFurnace.

"But, by my choice, if playing clashes with any appointments or treatments, or if Cindy or the kids need me, I will be by their side."

Image Id: 08363DCCEDE44003955F95968516DBD5 Image Caption: Michael Klinger with his children Summer and Bailey after the BBL|06 final // Getty

In his letter, Klinger revealed the diagnosis had followed a routine scan after Cindy had complained of ongoing back pain.

"Last week, my wife Cindy had a routine scan on her back, which had been causing her pain and no physiotherapy or anti-inflammatory tablets seemed to help,” Klinger shared.

"The result of that scan completely shocked and devastated us.

"Doctors identified three spots on her vertebrae that required further investigation – within hours, we were told she had cancer.

"A biopsy was taken of the lesion and determined that my wife of almost 10 years had breast cancer that, based on the information we have so far, has spread to at least those three spots identified on her spine."

Image Id: C176C6A224B84310B7628744E30408A9 Image Caption: Klinger made his T20 debut in February alongside Ashton Turner and Billy Stanlake // Getty

Klinger made a long-awaited international debut in February in a Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka.

He earned that Australian berth after an outstanding season for the Scorchers in BBL|06, which culminated in the Perth outfit winning their third Big Bash title from six editions of the tournament.

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