Cricket Australia acts to ease tensions after Victoria's BBL franchise plan in 2026

Victoria's proposal to merge the Stars and Renegades and sell the second BBL license caused unrest among states and the ACA.

BBL plans spark state concern New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia had pressed for an urgent call with Cricket Australia to address the announcement made on Tuesday that Victoria intended to combine the administrative operations of the Stars and Renegades under a new identity and color scheme for the upcoming season while also putting the second Big Bash League license up for sale to a private investor as soon as Cricket Australia could take it to market. Victoria’s move on Tuesday created turmoil, with multiple states and the Australian Cricketers' Association raising strong objections, especially since Cricket Australia had not yet finalized the next stage of their hybrid privatization model ahead of the state executives’ meeting scheduled for next week in Melbourne and the chairs’ meeting the week after. No action can move forward until the Cricket Australia board gives approval and negotiations with the ACA are completed. ## Urgent talks held over BBL changes On Thursday, every state’s chief executive and chair joined a call with Cricket Australia except for Victoria’s CEO Nick Cummins and chair Ross Hepburn, who were not invited, to voice concerns about Victoria’s proposal and the progress of the BBL privatization plan. Reports indicated that Cummins had sent an email to the other states beforehand to explain his decision and help smooth tensions. Several states aired their worries to Cricket Australia’s CEO and chair Mike Baird, though there was agreement to proceed carefully and hold more in-person discussions during next week’s meetings in Melbourne as originally planned. 'We had productive discussions with several State chairs and CEOs today to ensure talks about the possible inclusion of private investment in the Big Bash Leagues remain fully aligned,' Cricket Australia’s CEO said in a statement. ## Cricket Australia responds to Victoria’s move The timing of Victoria’s announcement about their intentions in the event of private investment was described as 'not ideal,' but Cricket Australia acknowledged the challenges the state faces. The statement emphasized that Cricket Australia, the states, and the ACA all share the goal of promoting the best interests of Australian cricket and will continue working together to find the best path forward. New South Wales and Queensland had previously rejected Cricket Australia’s privatization proposal in April, which delayed the process and frustrated Victoria. New South Wales remains committed to a self-funding model and believes private investment is unnecessary for the BBL. ## States divided on privatization model South Australia, which had pushed for the hybrid model where some states could initially sell stakes in their franchises while others could do so later, led the resistance to Victoria’s plan. Western Australia and Tasmania also took part in the call despite supporting Cricket Australia’s plan to sell a 49% stake in their own franchises. New South Wales continues to advocate for a model that does not rely on private funding, while Queensland initially rejected the privatization proposal, both actions that stalled Cricket Australia’s efforts and left Victoria dissatisfied with the delay. ## Cricket Australia reaffirms unity Cricket Australia’s CEO reassured all parties that the governing body, the states, and the ACA are all focused on what is best for Australian cricket. Acknowledging the concerns raised during the call, the CEO added that the timing of Victoria’s announcement added to the complexity. The statement also highlighted that while challenges exist, the key stakeholders remain committed to working through them collaboratively. 'It is very important to restate that Cricket Australia, the States and the ACA all have the best interests of Australian Cricket at heart, and we will continue discussions to find the best way forward,' the CEO said.