Cricket Australia has approved a plan to bring private investment into the Big Bash League (BBL), with the process beginning through the sale of the Melbourne Renegades franchise. Reporting indicates a sales process is launched for the Renegades as the first step in opening ownership to external investors.
The decision follows debate within Australian domestic cricket. The Guardian reports some state bodies, including NSW and Queensland, are opposed to the privatisation approach, while Cricket Australia says involving private investors is in the long-term interests of the sport. The plan is also linked to earlier controversy in Victoria, where Cricket Victoria has discussed merging the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades.
The Hindu adds that the Renegades are owned by Cricket Victoria and notes the franchise’s success as BBL champions in 2018–19. Cricket Australia’s proposal is presented across outlets as a major governance and commercial shake-up for the BBL, with details of the broader rollout and other franchises dependent on the initial sale process and subsequent steps.
