CRICKET: Jimmy Maher would be cautious about expanding the Big Bash League too soon while he believes Warwick fast bowling product Mark Steketee has the potential to earn an Australian cap.

The former Queensland batting legend and Australian team member was in Toowoomba on Friday as guest speaker at the annual University Cricket Club fund-raising lunch at the National Hotel.

Maher was also happy to share some pre-lunch cricket thoughts with The Chronicle including the future of the blossoming Big Bash League and Steketee's rise to prominence during this season's tournament.

Maher hopes officials further consolidate the BBL before adding more teams and extending the season.

"I probably wouldn't be doing it quite yet, but it's not far away," Maher said.

"I probably warn against overcooking the goose.

"I know in England that they went too much, too soon.

"We've got a really good product here that's been fantastically well run. It's the right amount of cricket.

"I think that six-week period in the school holidays is the perfect fit for it.

"I hope they don't get too greedy with it.

"They should be very proud of what they've got with full houses everywhere you go."

While Maher would love to see his former home-town region of North Queensland gain a Big Bash team spot in an expanded competition he believes a second south-east Queensland club will be next in line.

"I'm hearing Gold Coast might be favoured at the moment and then maybe Geelong," Maher said.

Maher gave Steketee the thumbs up as a potential international in waiting.

"He's had a great Big Bash summer with some fantastic, consistent performances in a game that's dominated by batsmen," Maher said.

"He's a wonderful talent and I think he's got what it takes to potentially play the limited over format first.

"He probably needs another yard or two (of pace) to get to Test level, but time will tell.

"He's young and he's doing well at the short format."