Sydney, Sept 10:
Cricket NSW has strongly opposed Cricket Australia’s decision to proceed with private investment in the Big Bash Leagues, warning that the move could weaken the game’s financial capacity and have long-term consequences for grassroots cricket.
CA’s board on Tuesday approved a “self-determination” model under which individual states will decide whether to retain full ownership of their Big Bash clubs or bring in private investors. NSW, which operates the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, has consistently rejected privatisation and questioned the financial assumptions behind the proposal.
“Cricket NSW is disappointed by Cricket Australia’s decision to proceed with introducing private investment into the Big Bash Leagues without alignment across Australian cricket. This decision risks leaving cricket in NSW and Australia strategically and financially worse off, with direct consequences for our ability to invest in grassroots cricket,” it said in a statement.
“We are proud to be part of an Australian cricket system that is the envy of the world. Yesterday’s announcement threatens this system. The redistribution of profits to external investors reduces our ability to invest in community cricket, creating long-term impacts at all levels.”
NSW also criticised the process followed by CA, saying concerns raised by the state and an alternative proposal to strengthen the Big Bash had not been adequately addressed.
NSW further maintained that four conditions agreed by the state chairs in June for any sale process had not been fulfilled.