Daijiworld Media Network – Sydney

Sydney, Sep 9: Cricket NSW has strongly opposed Cricket Australia’s decision to introduce private investment into the Big Bash Leagues, warning that the move could weaken the financial position of Australian cricket and affect funding for grassroots programmes.

Cricket Australia’s board on Tuesday approved a ‘self-determination’ model under which each state association can decide whether its Big Bash League clubs remain fully state-owned or are opened to private investment.

Cricket NSW, which operates the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, said it was disappointed with the decision and claimed the proposal could leave cricket in New South Wales and Australia in a weaker strategic and financial position.

The state body said the redistribution of profits to external investors could reduce its ability to fund community cricket and development programmes. It also questioned the process through which Cricket Australia reached the decision, stating that its concerns and an alternative plan to strengthen the Big Bash had not received adequate consideration.

Cricket NSW further said four pre-conditions unanimously agreed upon by the state chairs in June as requirements for any potential sale process had not been met.

However, Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg defended the decision, expressing confidence that private investment would deliver significant long-term benefits across Australian cricket.

Greenberg said Cricket Australia believed a substantial portion of the proceeds from the sale of Big Bash club licences could be invested in a future fund, providing a reliable source of funding for grassroots cricket, elite pathways and high-performance programmes for future generations.

The state associations have taken different positions on the proposal. Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia have backed the broader direction, while Queensland Cricket has adopted a more cautious approach and said it intends to retain full ownership of the Brisbane Heat for now, while remaining open to investment in the future.

Cricket NSW maintained that the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder are successful and financially healthy clubs and argued that the profits generated by the teams are currently channelled back into participation and cricket development.