Former Australian Test opener Ed Cowan has expressed his belief that the Big Bash League (BBL) should not hasten its move towards privatization in order to stay competitive with other global T20 leagues.
Speaking on the ABC Cricket Podcast, Cowan, who is also a member of the Cricket NSW board, suggested that concerns about players leaving for rival leagues are overstated. He warned that rushing into privatization could lead to unintended consequences.
Earlier this month, Cricket Australia (CA) announced an opt-in model that permits state associations to market their BBL teams, allowing for the sale of stakes or entire franchises to private investors.
“In past seasons, the league has successfully adjusted its scheduling, attracted international stars, and modified the salary cap accordingly,” Cowan noted. “We have already seen that there is no issue in bringing some of the world’s top players to the BBL.”
He pointed out that high-profile players like Ben Stokes and Finn Allen have recently signed with teams in the league, countering the argument that the BBL is losing talent to the South African League, as no players have departed as of yet.
Cowan emphasized that there is room for operational improvements within the BBL, which could help determine whether selling key assets is truly necessary. He cautioned against making hasty decisions that could lead to detrimental outcomes.
In recent years, the BBL has revised its competition format to be shorter, resulting in increased viewership and the engagement of some of the sport’s biggest names. The 2025/26 season featured players such as Colin Munro, Chris Jordan, Muhammad Rizwan, and Sam Billings, alongside Australian Test stars like Steve Smith, Alex Carey, and Mitchell Starc, who participated after their international commitments.
This contrasts with the recent seasons of The Hundred, where notable players such as Mitchell Marsh, Adam Zampa, Jos Buttler, and Trent Boult have participated, many of whom are set to play in the upcoming BBL16 season.
Cricket Australia believes that privatization would enhance the BBL’s ability to compete with other T20 leagues, including The Hundred in the UK and the SA20 in South Africa. CA Chief Executive Todd Greenberg stated, “Our top Australian players now have the opportunity to play in other leagues, potentially with higher salary caps. We can’t afford to wait two or four years to address these challenges; they are immediate.”
Cricket NSW has been the most vocal opponent of the current model, while Queensland Cricket has expressed its intention to hold onto its BBL franchise for the time being, although it may have further inquiries regarding the privatization process.
Queensland Cricket Chair Kirsten Pike and CEO Terry Svenson issued a statement saying, “We will closely observe the sales process and currently plan to maintain full ownership of the Brisbane Heat, though we remain open to private investment at the right moment.”
In contrast, Cricket Victoria supports the privatization initiative and plans to be the first to sell a franchise, with the Melbourne Renegades set to be fully marketed for sale. Cricket Victoria Director Shaun Richardson remarked, “Private investment will create opportunities for reinvestment across Victorian cricket, from grassroots levels to the elite game.”
Discussions between Cricket Australia and state cricket associations will continue as preparations for the BBL16 and WBBL12 seasons unfold, which are expected to be the last featuring the original eight franchises.
