Perth Scorchers batsman Michael Klinger isn't sure if he'll feature this season in the BBL after his wife Cindy's breast cancer diagnosis.
Klinger revealed the shock news in an open letter on the Scorchers' website, saying cricket was secondary while he helped his wife to win the battle of her life.
The 37-year-old said Cindy had a routine scan on her back last week after experiencing pain in the area.
Those scans and a subsequent biopsy revealed Cindy had breast cancer, and that it had spread to at least three spots on her spine.
"We have three children: Bailey, 7; Summer, 5; and Easton 1," Klinger wrote.
"We had to tell Bailey and Summer of the fight their mother now faces, which is something I wouldn't wish on anyone.
"In fact, along with delivering a eulogy at my mother's funeral, it was the hardest and most terrible thing I've had to do in my life."
Klinger says he might still play some games this summer for the Scorchers, but will prioritise his wife's health and any appointments she has.
"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 (the WACA)," Klinger said.
"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."
Scorchers coach Justin Langer said the decision of when to play would be left entirely up to Klinger.
"He's earned the right to play when he thinks he's ready to play," Langer said.
"It's a really simple message we have for him - family is absolutely the No.1 priority. There's zero expectation from our point of view.
"We've got his back, and that's all he needs to know."
The loss of Klinger for some, or possibly all, games is a big blow to the Scorchers, who have already been hit hard by injuries and international call-ups.
Star pace duo Nathan Coulter-Nile (back) and Jason Behrendorff (back) will miss the start of the season, while Sam Whiteman (finger) is still at least three weeks away from resuming.
Star trio Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh and Cameron Bancroft are on Ashes duties.
The Scorchers' title defence begins on Saturday against the Sydney Sixers at the SCG.
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