Cricket NSW Fears Private Investment Will Hurt Grassroots Cricket

Cricket NSW, the state cricket body which owns the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder BBL franchises, has expressed concerns over Cricket Australia's decision to seek private investment in the Big Bash.

The move, which begins with the sale of the Melbourne Renegades, has been met with disappointment from Cricket NSW, who fear it will hinder their ability to invest in grassroots cricket.

In a statement, Cricket NSW said they were unhappy with the decision to push forward with private investment without all stakeholders on board.

"Cricket NSW is disappointed by Cricket Australia's decision to proceed with introducing private investment into the Big Bash leagues without alignment across Australian cricket," the statement read.

Cricket NSW believes the decision risks leaving cricket in NSW and Australia "strategically and financially worse off", with direct consequences for their ability to invest in grassroots cricket.

"This decision risks leaving cricket in NSW and Australia strategically and financially worse off, with direct consequences for our ability to invest in grassroots cricket."

Cricket NSW owns the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder franchises, and say they reinvest the profits from these successful clubs into growing participation in cricket.

"We see our role at Cricket NSW, alongside Cricket Australia and all states, as custodians of our game. Our purpose is to inspire everyone to play and love cricket. This starts with growing participation in our sport, ultimately producing great players for our W/BBL clubs, NSW and Australia."

However, Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird believes the introduction of private investment will result in greater investment in the sport at all levels.

"By opening the door to private investment in the Big Bash leagues, Cricket Australia is taking a deliberate step to strengthen and secure the long-term future of the game, accelerate growth and ensuring we can keep investing in community cricket and grassroots participation, domestic and international pathways and the elite level," he said.

Cricket Australia is hopeful that the Melbourne Renegades franchise will play the 2027/28 season under new ownership.