Cricket in Australia set for dramatic shake-up after BBL privatisation plan approved

Cricket Australia has approved privatisation in the Big Bash League, leading the way for a dramatic shake-up of the sport in this country.

Months after Cricket Victoria controversially decided it wanted to merge the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades, CA has approved states being able to sell their teams to private investors.

Despite NSW and Queensland being fiercely against privatisation, CA is forging ahead with the bold concept. Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia have long been in support of the decision.

States will be given scope to go to market in selling off stakes in their teams.

Cricket Victoria will still manage the Stars, but the Renegades have undergone dramatic change and will operate in caretaker mode in what is likely to be their last season before being sold and rebranded.

The Stars will also likely be renamed after the Renegades are sold off.

Privatisation opens the door for BBL clubs to be renamed and colours changed, as was the case with The Hundred in England last year.

Indian Premier League owners took charge of some franchises in The Hundred – Oval Invincibles (now MI London), Manchester Originals (Manchester Super Giants) and Northern Superchargers (Sunrisers Leeds).

It could mean the winners of the last two BBL titles – Hobart Hurricanes and Perth Scorchers – look very different for the 2027-28 season.

The sales will initially provide a huge windfall of cash for the states and CA.

The upcoming BBL gets underway on 12 December when the Renegades and Scorchers play a historic match in Chennai.