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The proposal to privatize Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) has created a unique situation in the cricket world. Franchise leagues emerged one by one across the country to bring in new talent and create stable financial conditions.
BBL is one of the most talked about franchise leagues after the Indian Premier League (IPL). Now, the league which was once considered a competitor to the IPL may fall into the hands of private companies. Cricket Australia is working on this.
Will the entire BBL be privatized?
Why does the Cricket Governing Board need to think about privatization model? What would be the benefit if the league goes completely into private hands? All these questions remain unanswered till now.
Australian cricket legend Ian Healy has described the current situation as a ‘shamozle’ in his column on Sen.com.au. Healy does not agree with the privatization of cricket. For the former cricketer, privatization is not just about a franchise league, it is about cricket: privatization of cricket.
Privatization of cricket is a sham at this point: Ian Healy
“Yes, the privatization of cricket is a sham at this point. If only cricket could convey half the confidence the NRL has in its game, this private sale could be much easier than before. The brand, concept and success criteria have far surpassed the initial intentions of the Big Bash League when it was not sold privately,” wrote Ian Healy.
According to previous reports, Australia’s cricket governing body is looking to sell stakes in BBL clubs to secure the financial future of the game. But the board is dealing with a highly controversial situation as some BBL franchises like New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland are against the proposal.
While Victoria (which runs the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades), Western Australia (which runs the Perth Scorchers), and Tasmania (which runs the Hobart Hurricanes) are reportedly keen to test market valuations. South Australia, which runs Adelaide Strikers, also did not say yes to CA’s proposal.
Healy further wrote, “Three states are still out after several attempts to make a proposal. The current proposal is not suitable for any state. It does not provide adequate protection for the future of cricket in other states, and is a hasty concept or less hasty concept that has not even been released yet. Victoria has incensed everyone by acting prematurely and certainly in breach of their license agreement.”
Ian Healy sheds light on the emotional attachment and dreams of traditional franchises
The cricket icon reflects the emotional connection that players can feel with their team in the BBL. In the past, stars like Shane Warne, Glenn Maxwell, Meg Lanning, Chris Gayle, Aaron Finch and many more have graced the Big Bash League. Emerging local players, who are dreaming of representing one of the BBL franchises, may also be affected by the decision to sell stocks.
The article further reads, “Shane Warne, Glenn Maxwell, Meg Lanning, Chris Gayle, Aaron Finch and many others have their work cut out for a new club if the Renegades and Stars are scrapped. And they would start a brand new club with very few people.”
It said, “Today’s young cricketers and Victorian cricketers have no idea of a world without the Big Bash, and I doubt they would turn to a brand new, clean-cut franchise, let alone find one willing to pay big overs for it.”
