Australia board weighing alternatives after BBL privatisation plans blocked

Cricket Australia (CA) said on Thursday it is considering alternatives to its privatisation plan for the Big Bash League (BBL) after ​failing to achieve consensus with state members.

CA had set a ‌mid-April deadline for the nation's six member states to indicate their support to sell 49% stakes in most BBL teams and 100% of one team ​each in Victoria and New South Wales.

New South Wales rejected CA's ​proposal while Queensland deferred its decision, saying it needed more ⁠information.

"Given CA does not currently have full alignment on the ​proposed next step with our members, some alternative options are being considered ​that require additional analysis and consideration with States, and that work is underway," CA said in a statement.

"Australian cricket remains united on the need to grow ​and continue investment in all aspects of the game and ​CA thanks the state associations and players for their engagement and collaboration in this ‌project."

The ⁠lack of consensus is a major blow for CA Chairman Mike Baird and CEO Todd Greenberg, who spearheaded the privatisation push following a review by Boston Consulting Group last year.

CA had hoped to ​raise up to ​A$600m (USD427m) ⁠to future-proof the sport, boost its finances and improve Australia's competitiveness in T20 cricket.

CA reported a net ​deficit of A$11.3m for the 2024-25 financial ​year despite ⁠a hike in revenue from hosting the lucrative Border-Gavaskar series against powerhouse India.

Despite the potential for a major capital boost, influential cricket figures ⁠in ​Australia voiced opposition to opening the league ​to private money, saying it could mean a damaging loss of control for the ​game's local custodians.