Brett Lee Calls For More Private Investment In The BBL To Attract Marquee Overseas Cricketers Like Virat Kohli

Former Australian cricketer Brett Lee has called for more private investment in the Big Bash League  [BBL] in order to take it to the ‘next level’ and attract the marquee overseas cricketers from around the globe.

Unlike the Indian Premier League, which is based on the privately-owned franchise model, the BBL is completely one by Cricket Australia.

Lee believes that while Cricket Australia can still call the shot by having a more than 50 percent stake, it is high time that the extra money is pumped into the BBL through private investors in order to attract the best of the best overseas players

The former speedster went on to give the example of the legendary Virat Kohli.

”You could have co-ownership and Cricket Australia could retain 51% and still control things, but with that extra funding, I think you could get some really high profile stars to come out. I am talking about the Virat Kohli’s. Imagine Kohli playing for the Sixers and the crowds you would get. I am really impressed with the Big Bash. They have done a great job. But to reach the next level that is what you would have to do” Brett Lee told The Courier-Mail.

And, Lee believes that it is a step in the right direction as Australia and the BBL have ‘earned the right to host the world’s best players.

“The draft is a good idea and I would love to see the best of the best come to Australia. We have earned that right. You need those big overseas players. The IPL has done well with only four overseas players so you are seeing the best of the really reallyl helps to mix with top overseas players,’’ said Lee.

The upcoming season of the BBL will kickstart on December 05 where three-time winners, Sydney Sixers, will lock horns with the Melbourne Stars.

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