Arabic version: كريكت أستراليا تستعد لإقرار خصخصة دوري بيغ باش

According to ABC News, Cricket Australia is set to proceed with the partial privatisation of the Big Bash League, despite opposition from New South Wales and Queensland. The governing body is expected to formally announce the decision on Tuesday alongside several Australian cricket stars, following a board meeting last week and an official green light planned for Monday night.

The proposal will allow states to conduct a market-sounding process for the sale of 49 per cent stakes in their BBL franchises. Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia support the move, while South Australia is described as lukewarm but more open to the concept than New South Wales or Queensland.

New South Wales has argued that private-equity investment would be largely a short-term boost and that broader structural reform is needed to secure Cricket Australia’s financial future. Cricket Australia, however, believes partial privatisation would help the BBL keep pace with domestic T20 competitions overseas, including India’s IPL. It says proceeds would be distributed across the wider Australian cricket ecosystem.

The Australian Cricketers’ Association initially pushed back on the plans, though it says it supports privatisation if the game’s long-term interests are protected. The union and Cricket Australia still need to settle details, including the players’ share of revenue, as part of a new memorandum of understanding.

Transactions could be completed before next season. Potential international team owners are expected to be approached during the coming summer and may attend this year’s BBL tournament. Cricket Victoria accelerated the process in June by making plans to sell the Melbourne Renegades while retaining the Melbourne Stars licence, and several state chief executives have travelled to India and the United Kingdom to meet prospective buyers.