Cricket New South Wales warned that Cricket Australia’s decision to partially privatise the Big Bash League could hamper the sport’s long-term development and reduce the funding for grassroots cricket.
Cricket Australia announced on Tuesday that it wants to introduce private investment to the T20 competition from the 2027-28 season as it looks to shore up the game’s financial future, which has come under threat from lucrative leagues abroad. The change will begin with the sale of the Melbourne Renegades Twenty20 franchise.
“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,” Cricket NSW said in a statement.
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The body noted that profits generated by its Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder franchises were reinvested into participation programmes, contributing to an 80% increase in participation among children aged five to 12 over the past four years.
It added that one-third of Australia’s contracted players came from NSW.
“The redistribution of profits to external investors reduces our ability to invest in community cricket, creating long-term impacts at all levels,” it said.
Additionally, Cricket NSW noted that four conditions agreed by the chairs of the state association in June had not been fulfilled. However, it assured that despite the criticism, Cricket NSW would continue working with Cricket Australia to “to ensure our game continues to thrive.”
Published on Sep 09, 2026
