Big Bash League operations with revamped model approved by Cricket Australia

Cricket Australia and the six state chairs or their representatives met on Monday, June 15, with strong agreement reached to continue to invest in and grow the Big Bash Leagues as elite competitions and to advance the interests of cricket at all levels in Australia.   

The chairs provided their in-principle support of a self-determination model for private investment to be introduced into the game to be taken back to their individual boards for further discussion.

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The agreement to this concept came with four key requirements:

1. The structure of governance for the new Big Bash Leagues to be agreed
2. Change to the current CA governance structure to take into account the new operating model
3. Agreement to be reached on the mechanics of a self-determination model with the Australian Cricketer’s Association
4. Agreement between CA and each of the States on future funding and distribution agreements

The in-principle agreement, once conditions are met, would create the potential for Cricket Victoria to be the first State to go to market. This process would allow market testing of club valuation.

"The discussions today were very productive, and I’m pleased we have continued the momentum toward optimising the Big Bash Leagues for the benefit of the entire game. The States have agreed to go back to their boards to discuss these proposals and address any questions that might arise from their members on four key topics involving governance of the BBL and CA, player support and state distributions," CA chairman Mike Baird said.

"We’re confident this will lead to the best possible outcome for everyone, including grassroots participants and volunteers and professional players, and provide certainty for the future of cricket in Australia," Baird added further.

"We had honest and constructive talks today about the best way to move forward on behalf of everyone involved in Australian Cricket. While there is a lot to work through, we have made good progress and will now discuss the mechanics of a self-determination model, contingent on several conditions being met, with our respective Boards," Will Rayner, the SACA Chairperson, said.

"It was a productive session that positions us to continue to grow the BBL leagues, while ensuring the appropriate checks and balances are in place to ensure the long term sustainability and sovereignty of our game," Rayner concluded.