Usman Khawaja Flags BBL Concerns Amid Rise Of New T20 Leagues

Cricketer Usman Khwaja claims that Australia is under greater pressure than ever to entice high-profile foreign talent to the BBL because to the potentially enormous sums of money offered in the upcoming South African and UAE T20 leagues, which will run at a comparable time of the year. 

Khawaja spoke even more bluntly about the danger that the international competitions pose for CA. Earlier this week, he participated in the Australian Cricketers’ Association delegates conference in Melbourne, where CA CEO Nick Hockley and BBL Commissioner Alistair Dobson both gave presentations on the next season and the draught.

Usman Khwaja Wants BBL Privatized

Khawaja reiterated his opinion that the rivals ought to resort to private investment. 

“I’ve spoken about this before, I think there’s a fork in the road for the Big Bash in my personal opinion,”  

Khawaja said. “I don’t speak for ACA or CA, my personal opinion is the BBL needs to look to privatising because the money needs to come from somewhere. Players won’t come to the Big Bash unless you are paying them the right money. 

“There are other tournaments starting up that are privatised. If you don’t keep up with that, and there’s a small window for the Big Bash to privatise in the next few years, and I’m afraid if we don’t do that we’ll fall behind.

Already you’ll see players not list for the draft. I’ve talked to a couple and they’ve not listed for the draft because they want to spend Christmas at home and then will go and play in the UAE. That’s a red flag for me already. 

“The money has to come from somewhere and you don’t necessarily want it to come from CA’s stock, then that affects another part of the organisation. So why not bring money from outside. I think the IPL is a very good model. If we aren’t trying to follow that type of progression, I feel like the BBL can be left behind.” 

The BBL will take place from December 13 through February 4 this year, and international players will be able to indicate the price range they are open to. 

Also Read: “I Actually See Suresh Raina Play” – Aakash Chopra On Indian Cricketers Playing In Foreign T20 Leagues