MELBOURNE, May 18 (Reuters) – Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive Todd Greenberg has dismissed concerns that private investment from India in the Big Bash League (BBL) could lead to Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners gaining too much control. CA’s plan to privatize the BBL has hit a snag after state members failed to agree on the proposal. New South Wales outright rejected it, while Queensland delayed its decision.
Some worry that IPL owners, who already have stakes in teams across England, South Africa, and other countries, might take over BBL clubs. However, Greenberg told SEN Radio that these fears are exaggerated. He emphasized that cricket should not be “sold” to India but instead focus on finding good partners for the sport’s benefit.
Greenberg explained that state governments hold the power to choose their own partners in the league. CA had hoped to raise up to $427 million to secure the sport’s future, improve financial stability, and boost competitiveness in T20 cricket.
While Greenberg supports engaging with Indian investors for business opportunities, he stressed that this should not mean excluding them entirely from the BBL. He noted that many businesses and governments are eager to work with India to foster trade and diplomacy.
CA is now exploring whether the BBL can operate with a mix of privately owned teams and traditionally run clubs. Greenberg believes this could be possible but insists on conducting thorough research first.