Top Australian cricketers could leave the Big Bash League (BBL) after receiving million-dollar offers from South Africa’s SA20. According to The Age, Australian Cricketers’ Association chief executive Paul Marsh said several players have been offered lucrative contracts, raising concerns over the BBL’s ability to compete with other leagues.
The increasing difference in players’ salaries has increased the pressure on Cricket Australia. While the top BBL players can earn up to A$300,000 a season, SA20 franchises are reportedly offering leading Australian cricketers more than A$1 million to play during the January window.
Some of our players have been offered more than $1 million – Paul Marsh
Paul Marsh said that several Australian players have received offers of more than A$1 million to play in the SA20. He admitted that many players are considering their options due to the huge difference between SA20 contracts and BBL salaries.
“Some of our players have been offered more than AU$1 million to go to the SA20. When you compare that to what they earn in the BBL, it’s more than five times that in some cases. It’s certainly realistic, there are a lot of players who are being offered quite significant financial results to go, and there are players who are considering it,” as quoted by The Age.
“In an ideal world our players would stay here and play in the BBL and sign Australian contracts, but there are some realities here that we are all aware of. There are real opportunities out there. Hopefully none, because we have landed a deal that will allow us to keep our players here, that’s the goal.”
Cricket Australia wants to strengthen BBL
Cricket Australia is looking for ways to stop its top players from going abroad. The board recently signed Test captain Pat Cummins to a long-term contract until 2029 and is discussing changes to make the BBL more competitive.
Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association are also discussing an increase in the BBL salary cap. Reports suggest the board wants top players to earn closer to A$800,000 per season rather than the current maximum.
The board is also considering major changes in the structure of the league. These include removing the draft of foreign players and allowing private investors to buy stakes in BBL franchises.
We believe there should be an independent review – Paul Marsh
If Cricket Australia decides to sell stakes in BBL teams, it could lead to a new collective bargaining agreement before 2028. Paul Marsh said any regime change should be decided through an independent review.
“If they are moving down the path of a governance review, we think it should be an independent review. The idea is to work out what is the best governance model for Australian cricket rather than a compromise agreement between CA and the states. In terms of what the governance of the BBL looks like, we want to have a serious discussion about that.”
According to reports, several key Australian players could seek No Objection Certificates (NOC) to play in the SA20 from January 2028 if the BBL cannot offer more competitive salaries.
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