Is the IPL taking over the Big Bash? Shocking CA move explained

Cricket Australia (CA) is weighing a landmark shift in the Big Bash League’s (BBL) structure by allowing private investment in its eight franchises. This bold consideration comes in the wake of English cricket’s successful $2 billion windfall from selling minority stakes in The Hundred teams, a move that’s sparked fresh interest in the future of T20 franchise ownership globally.

An independent review done by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) recommended that CA consider divesting minority interests in each BBL team that might see CA pocket more than $100 million. That would be the most radical cultural change to Australian cricket since Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket in 1977.

From Resistance to Reassessment

Unlike leagues such as the IPL, SA20, and ILT20, which are backed by private and corporate ownership, the BBL has remained under the control of CA and state associations since its inception. However, with top players increasingly prioritising more lucrative leagues overseas, the BBL’s appeal has declined, a trend CA is keen to reverse.

One of the main reasons CA has historically resisted private investment is the scheduling overlap between the BBL and the home Test summer. Broadcasters prefer the current format, but any involvement from private owners would likely come with demands for a standalone BBL window, enabling Australia’s Test stars to participate fully. This could trigger significant calendar reshuffles and potentially strain broadcast agreements.

Financial Pressures and Facility Upgrades

The push toward privatisation also comes at a time of tightening budgets and rising pressure on infrastructure. State associations like New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland currently don’t earn direct revenue from their home grounds. Meanwhile, iconic venues like the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) have been earmarked for major upgrades, including improvements to the fan experience and the introduction of drop-in pitches.

CA recently initiated a round of cost-cutting measures under CEO Todd Greenberg, reflecting a broader need to bolster cash reserves. The sale of BBL stakes could provide critical funding not just for the league, but for grassroots cricket and venue improvements as well.

ALSO SEE: Tension at The Oval: Staff Threaten to File Complaint Against Gautam Gambhir

Global Interest and Franchise Relocation

The review by BCG revealed growing global interest in acquiring stakes in BBL teams. Inspired by the fierce bidding war for the London Spirit in The Hundred, CA officials see an opportunity to capitalise on this business momentum.

But the changes might not stop at private investment. CA is also exploring a potential restructuring of the league, including the controversial idea of relocating existing teams. The Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades are being considered for possible relocation to markets like Singapore or New Zealand to widen the league’s reach. Canberra has also mounted a strong case for its own team, spearheaded by Cricket ACT chairman Greg Boorer.

Alternatively, CA could choose to expand the league by offering new licences rather than diluting ownership in current franchises, a model reminiscent of the AFL’s approach during its national expansion.

Caution and Consensus

Even with the extensive research and vibrant financial reasoning, CA is expected, as reported, to adopt a wait-and-see approach. So far, it seems that during the next meeting of the board of directors, no final decision will be made, and discussion is anticipated to go on for months ahead. The chairman, Mike Baird, and CEO Greenberg are, according to sources, working to build support among stakeholders before any formal move.

Should they go ahead, this swing toward partial privatisation could help galvanise the BBL and attract big international stars with proper salary arrangements, and achieve relevancy in a saturated global T20 market.  For now, Cricket Australia sits before an inflection point in its history, and the path taken could reconfigure Australian cricket for years to come.