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CSK are not looking to expand in BBL | PC- AFP
On Tuesday, Cricket Australia made the landmark announcement about the privatisation of the Big Bash League (BBL). The move is directly linked to IPL franchises expanding themselves in Australia as well.
The IPL franchise bosses have been the first movers in the acquisition of teams in different T20 leagues. First, it happened in the CPL and, more recently, in the Hundred.
Although MI and SRH have reportedly already shown their interest in buying a BBL team, CSK aren’t looking to expand on the Australian shores.
CSK not expanding to BBL
After BBL privatisation was officially announced, the cricketing fans could not keep a hold of themselves. Quite obviously, a CSK fan also manifested the Super Kings having a team in the BBL, cheekily stating, “Can't wait to see ‘Canberra Super Kings’ and (Nathan) Ellis leading us".
However, a renowned journalist from The Indian Express, Venkata Krishna B, categorically denied CSK’s explanation after the BBL privatisation. Not just the Big Bash: according to the journalist, the Chennai-based franchise won’t expand to any other franchise league, at least in the near future.
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“Not happening. CSK won’t expand to any new leagues in the near future,” the journalist revealed via his X handle.
Notably, apart from an IPL franchise, the Super Kings have two more teams: the JoBurg Super Kings in the SA20 and the Texas Super Kings in the Major League Cricket.
Melbourne Renegades, the first BBL club to be sold
Along with the BBL privatisation news, CA also announced that the Melbourne Renegades will be the first club up for grabs, with Cricket Victoria inviting bids from private investors for a 100% stake in the club.
“Beginning the sales process for the Renegades allows us to take the first step in a self-determination model for our members and represents a defining moment for the game."
Two more BBL clubs could be added to the platter by the Australia board, which will increase the avenues for more investment and infrastructure in the league.
Having said that, the sale process will not affect the coming WBBL or BBL seasons this summer.
LSG among IPL bosses to get taste of BBL
According to another senior journalist, K Shriniwas Rao from TOI, the Super Giants family is among the top contenders to acquire a BBL team, along with Laxmi Mittal, who co-owns Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
The Super Giants, owned by the RPSG Sports Private Limited, already own the Lucknow Super Giants (in the IPL), Durban Super Giants (SA20) and the Manchester Super Giants (The Hundred).
The RPSG, led by Sanjiv Goenka, has been a great ambassador for cricket, as they have committed to building a state-of-the-art high-performance centre behind Old Trafford, one of their many initiatives to promote the game.
Meanwhile, reportedly, MI are interested in Melbourne Renegades, DC have an eye on a Sydney franchise, SRH are looking at Perth and Sanjay Govil, who partly owns Welsh Fire, is more than nosy in Hobart.
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