Cricket ACT's ambitious bid to secure a Canberra-based Big Bash League team has been put on hold as Cricket Australia deliberates over potential privatisation of the competition.
The governing body is currently considering two major changes: expanding the BBL from eight to ten teams, and selling 49-per-cent shares in existing and new teams to private investors.
The Canberra Bid and Government Support
Canberra and Auckland have emerged as the frontrunners for the proposed expansion teams, with the ACT government already committing $3 million to support a team in the nation's capital. Cricket ACT chairman Greg Boorer has been leading the charge to bring BBL cricket permanently to the region.
Cricket ACT chief executive Olivia Thornton confirmed the organisation has submitted its bid and is now playing a waiting game. "We've got our bid in. They know exactly where we stand," Thornton stated.
She expressed support for Cricket Australia's thorough approach to what she described as a "massive decision for Australian cricket." Thornton emphasised that this represents a "very once-in-a-generation opportunity for us to decide as a sport what we do."
Privatisation Challenges and State Considerations
The move toward privatisation aims to bring in private investors who can not only provide financial injection but also help grow the competition and attract international cricket stars.
One of the significant hurdles in the privatisation process involves how it will impact Cricket Victoria and Cricket NSW, both of which currently operate two BBL teams each. The restructuring would need to address the balance between state associations and private ownership.
Thornton acknowledged the complexity of the decision, noting that Cricket Australia has "a lot of work happening around this privatisation" and is "working through and doing their due diligence around what it should look like."
Manuka Oval's Growing Cricket Profile
Canberra's Manuka Oval has been building its credentials as a premier cricket venue, regularly hosting Sydney Thunder BBL matches and playing a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic by accommodating additional fixtures.
The historic ground recently hosted the Prime Minister's XI match, though the event was somewhat overshadowed by controversy as the England Ashes team became the first touring side to skip the traditional fixture.
Only three members of England's Test squad participated in the match, joining the England Lions second XI team in Canberra. Among them was Josh Tongue, who is widely tipped to replace the injured Mark Wood in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.
Canberra's unpredictable spring weather caused some disruption to the PM's XI match, with 45 minutes of play lost due to rain - though conditions were far better than during last month's washed-out T20 International between Australia and India at the same venue.
Manuka Oval's next cricket action will see the Sydney Thunder take on the Brisbane Heat in a BBL clash on December 22, followed by the Thunder hosting the Melbourne Stars on December 28.
