Cricket NSW fears negative consequences of Big Bash private investment

The decision to introduce private investment into the Big Bash leagues risks leaving cricket in Australia “strategically and financially worse off”, according to Cricket NSW.

On Tuesday, Cricket Australia announced it would seek private investment into Australia’s franchise T20 leagues, beginning with the sale of the Melbourne Renegades. 

The announcement came following months of speculation about whether private investment was the right move for CA, and the game in Australia more broadly. 

Ahead of Tuesday’s announcement, it was reported that state cricket bodies in NSW and Queensland were opposed to the plan which included exploring sell-offs of 49 per cent stakes in BBL franchises. 

On Wednesday, Cricket NSW in a statement said it was disappointed Cricket Australia had pushed forward with the decision to seek private investment without having all stakeholders on board with the process. 

“Cricket NSW is disappointed by Cricket Australia’s decision to proceed with introducing private investment into the Big Bash leagues without alignment across Australian cricket,” the statement read.

“This decision risks leaving cricket in NSW and Australia strategically and financially worse off, with direct consequences for our ability to invest in grassroots cricket.

“We see our role at Cricket NSW, alongside Cricket Australia and all states, as custodians of our game. Our purpose is to inspire everyone to play and love cricket. This starts with growing participation in our sport, ultimately producing great players for our W/BBL clubs, NSW and Australia.

“The profits from our successful and healthy Big Bash clubs – the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder – are reinvested into growing participation in cricket.”

Cricket NSW owns the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder franchises. 

It said it feared the private investment model would threaten its ability to invest in growing the sport, especially at the grassroots level.

“Yesterday’s announcement threatens this system. The redistribution of profits to external investors reduces our ability to invest in community cricket, creating long-term impacts at all levels,” Cricket NSW said.

“The Cricket NSW board is also disappointed by the process leading to this decision. 

“We have raised concerns directly with Cricket Australia, proposed an alternative pathway to strengthen the Big Bash, and highlighted significant risks within the proposal, informed by high-quality external advice.”

On Tuesday, Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird said the introduction of private investment into the Big Bash would result in greater investment in the sport at all levels. 

“By opening the door to private investment in the Big Bash leagues, Cricket Australia is taking a deliberate step to strengthen and secure the long-term future of the game, accelerate growth and ensuring we can keep investing in community cricket and grassroots participation, domestic and international pathways and the elite level,” he said.

“This is a significant decision that has involved an enormous amount of analysis, discussion and collaboration over many months. I’d like to thank all involved as we move to what we believe is the best way to secure cricket’s future in this country, strengthen the Big Bash and protect our standing on the global stage.”

Cricket Australia is hopeful that the Melbourne Renegades franchise will play the 2027/28 season under new ownership.