One of the big stories at the recent IPL auction was Tim David being sold to the Mumbai Indians for the equivalent of US$1.1 million. Five other teams were involved in the bidding war for the Singapore international before the Mumbai team forked out a huge sum for a player with no first-class or full member international experience.

David was also recently signed by Lancashire for the T20 Blast, has been retained by the Southern Brave for the second season of The Hundred and has been scoring runs for fun in the Big Bash League and Pakistan Super League, becoming something of a late innings specialist.

His form has had many calling for him to be called up to the Australian team for this year's World Cup. Despite playing for Singapore, ICC eligibility rules allow him to switch to Australia with no waiting period.

Whilst David was born in Singapore, and his dad also played for the country, he grew up in Australia and has spent most of his life there. Like many Australian kids he no doubt dreamt about playing for Australia one day. He may still want to.

But does he need to?

Cricket is in a different place from when Eoin Morgan opted to switch from Ireland to England. Players no longer make the most money playing international cricket. Franchise cricket, love it or hate it, is where the money is. Associate players can now make a decent living without having to think about switching to a full member.

Tim David got these big contracts without having to play for Australia. Does playing for Australia make him more valuable? Or does remaining with Singapore, with their lighter international schedule, actually increase his availability and therefore his value? Switching to Australia could actually mean he makes less money. And as much as we would like to think it isn't all about the money, the career of a professional cricketer is a short one and we can't be angry at them maximising their income.

It's something of a cliché to say that T20 can grow the game. It can also change the game. Make it possible for associate players to make a good living without having to switch national team.

Tim David may want to play for Australia. Australia may want him to play for them. But does he need Australia? I don't think so.