BBL Privatisation Takes A Step Ahead! CA And States On Same Page Despite Hurdles

Perth Scorchers celebrating BBL win [Source: AFP]

In a massive step towards the Big Bash League’s privatisation, Cricket Australia held a meeting on Monday with the six state chairpersons to discuss a new investment model, after facing some resistance in recent months.

With this proposed model, the states are promised greater control over the proceedings and decision-making power. But there are still some things the parties are looking to iron out, including four significant hurdles discussed below.

States agree to BBL privatisation

In April, CA faced a big setback to their plans to privatise the league after New South Wales and Queensland rejected the proposal to sell stakes of all eight teams. Due to the resistance, CA were looking for a hybrid model, where some states — that are on board with privatisation — would get the investments, while others would take the capital later.

However, after further discussions with all six states — including South Australia, which was also not fully prepared to proceed in April — CA has put forward a model that would allow each state to decide whether to sell its stake and determine the timing of any sale.

With this, all parties are on the same page, and the states have given a go-ahead in principle for this.

Also Read: BBL Set To Be Played In India, BCCI Gives Green Signal

“The states have agreed to go back to their boards to discuss these proposals and address any questions that might arise from their members on four key topics involving governance of the BBL and CA, player support and state distributions," CA chair Mike Baird said.

“We're confident this will lead to the best possible outcome for everyone, including grassroots participants and volunteers and professional players and provide certainty for the future of cricket in Australia,” he added.

Big hurdles ahead in BBL privatisation

While the states look on board with the privatisation now, it is still a way to go before the ball gets rolling. The valuations are yet to be set, and there are still some major things to work on before the teams go on sale.

Before things move ahead under this self-determination model, the following are the things to be resolved.

• The structure of governance for the new Big Bash Leagues to be agreed;
• Change to the current CA governance structure to take into account the new operating model;
• Agreement to be reached on the mechanics of a self-determination model with the players' union, the Australian Cricketers' Association
• Agreement between CA and each of the states on future funding and distribution agreements.

Cricket Victoria first in line to go on market

Despite all the hurdles and things to be worked on, Cricket Vitoria has shown great willingness in bringing in private capital to the league and the association for the betterment of the sport in the region.

Just weeks ago, they opened up on their plans to rebrand the Melbourne Stars and sell the Melbourne Renegades license to make a single franchise of Victoria.

Now, after all states giving a go-ahead on the matter, CV will be the first to bring in private capital in the BBL, as per the latest report from cricket.com.au.

Also Read: Australia Players Who May Not Survive Until World Cup 2027 After Bangladesh Humiliation