Queensland joins NSW in rejecting CA's BBL privatisation plan

It leaves CA with only four states, who control five BBL clubs, in favour of moving to the next phase of privatisation

Cricket Australia's plans to push ahead with privatising the BBL have hit another hurdle with Queensland joining New South Wales in rejecting the proposal to sell stakes of the eight BBL clubs to private investors.

NSW, who control Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, had been firmly against the privatisation model that was presented by CA to the six state chief executives at a meeting in Melbourne in late March. Queensland, who operate Brisbane Heat, had initially asked for more time and clarity on a number of points in the proposal following a Queensland Cricket board meeting a fortnight ago.

Following discussions with CA, Queensland have decided to join NSW in rejecting the proposal entirely.

It leaves CA with only four states, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania, who between them run the other five BBL clubs, in favour of proceeding with moving to the next step of privatisation, which involves getting official valuations for the clubs. It has previously been estimated that full privatisation of the BBL could bring in Aus$600-800 million.

More to follow…