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The proposal for privatizing Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) has created a unique situation in the cricket world. The franchise leagues across the nations emerged one by one to bring in fresh talent and to create stable financial conditions.
BBL is among the most discussed franchise leagues after the Indian Premier League (IPL). Now, the league, which was once considered a competitor of the IPL, could fall into the hands of private firms. Cricket Australia has been working on it.
Entire BBL to become privatized?
Why does the cricket governing board need to think about the privatization model? What will be the benefits if the league goes completely into private hands? All of these questions remain unanswered so far.
Australian cricket legend Ian Healy labels the current situation as ‘shemozzle’ in his column at the Sen.com.au. Healy is not on the same page with the privatization of cricket. For the former cricketer, the privatization is not only about one franchise league, but it is about cricket: cricket’s privatization.
Cricket’s privatisation is a shemozzle at the moment: Ian Healy
“Yes, cricket’s privatisation is a shemozzle at the moment. If only cricket could convey half of the NRL's unashamed confidence in their game, this private sell-down might be a lot smoother than it's been. Brand, concept, and success benchmarks have exceeded the early intentions of the Big Bash League when it wasn't sold down privately,” Ian Healy wrote.
As per the previous reports, the cricket governing body of Australia wants to sell stakes in BBL clubs to secure the sport's financial future. But the board has been dealing with a highly debatable situation as some of the BBL franchises like New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland are against the proposal.
While Victoria (who runs Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades), Western Australia (who runs Perth Scorchers), and Tasmania (who runs Hobart Hurricanes) are reportedly keen to test the market valuations. South Australia, who run Adelaide Strikers, also did not say yes to CA’s offer.
“Three states are in, and three states are still out after several attempts of proposing offers. The current offer doesn't suit any state at all. It doesn't provide enough security for the future of cricket in the other states, and one has a rushed concept or a less rushed concept that hasn't even been released yet. Victoria has stirred everyone up, acting prematurely and surely contravening their license agreement,” Healy wrote further.
Ian Healy highlights emotional attachment and dreams the traditional franchises carry
The cricket icon reflects the emotional attachments players can feel with their team in the BBL. In the past, stars like Shane Warne, Glenn Maxwell, Meg Lanning, Chris Gayle, Aaron Finch, and many other names graced the Big Bash League. Emerging local players, who are dreaming of representing one of the BBL franchises, could also be affected by the decision to put the stocks in sell.
“Shane Warne, Glenn Maxwell, Meg Lanning, Chris Gayle, Aaron Finch, and plenty more have had their deeds flushed away for a brand new club if the Renegades and Stars are disbanded. And a brand new club, they're going to start with not a lot,” the article further reads,
“Young cricketers today and Victorian cricketers have no knowledge of a world without the Big Bash, and I doubt they're going to flock to a brand new, clean-skin franchise, let alone find someone willing to pay big overs for it,” it added.
