Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland says big-name stars will front for new-look Big Bash

Australia's international superstars are likely to be available to play key roles in the new-look Twenty20 competition.

Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland told Fox Sports' Inside Cricket that the country’s biggest names may not be free to play in the format's first season, but are expected to join the revolution beyond its 2011-12 debut.

Sutherland also declared big-name signings from around the globe a priority.

However, a salary cap or even draft system will ensure a level playing field.

"Australian players probably won’t be available in the first stage but I think there are opportunities for that to change as this competition develops and almost create demand in itself for our international players to play," Sutherland said.

"One of the key principles is to ensure a competively-balanced competition so they have an equal chance of winning and attracting the best talent to play for that team."

"We don't want to compromise international cricket," Sutherland said.

"We are doing quite well in attracting the top athletes and I think the game of cricket has changed in the past two or three years with Twenty20.

"The opportunities are much broader for talented young players to come into the game.

"IPL and other Twenty20 competitions around the world have changed the landscape (but) we are absolutely focused on the program of international cricket going ahead."