As Australia and England battle for the Ashes this summer, there are plans for Test cricket’s oldest contest to be used as the billboard for Australian cricket’s big sell-off.
Cricket Australia and some states are planning to wine and dine potential investors in Australia’s eight Big Bash League teams, following a Boston Consulting Group report that recommended the injection of private capital into the BBL.
Steve Smith celebrates his record-equalling third Big Bash century earlier this year. Credit: Getty Images
CA chair Mike Baird and chief executive Todd Greenberg have been at pains to say no decisions have been made and their words of caution echo those of the state associations that own CA.
But at the same time, possible investors from India and elsewhere are already being courted for discussions, which may lead to the biggest transformation of the summer schedule since a 51-ball David Warner century heralded the arrival of the BBL in 2011. The theatre of the Ashes is regarded as the perfect time for an open inspection.
In some ways, this courting process has already started. GMR Group, owners of the Delhi Capitals, were a visible presence in Australia last summer. But more prospective buyers are likely to follow.
What the Australian summer of cricket could look like The BCG report advised selling minority stakes in teams such as the Melbourne Stars and the Sydney Sixers, which until now have been owned and controlled by the states.
Crucially, CA has also controlled the summer schedule, allowing for Tests and T20 games to co-exist in the peak summer holiday period.
But privatised T20 leagues around the world carve out an exclusive window so the host country’s best players are available for the duration.
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“There’s no chance of all national team players being available for BBL,” one potential overseas investor told this masthead. “That’s critical. Very limited appeal for investors who want to field the best team and desire to win championships.”
CA’s broadcasters, Foxtel and Seven, are enthused by private investment as a way to
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