Canberra's Cricket War Erupts: Barr Backs Big Bash Dream Amid Boardroom Brawl
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has issued a stark warning that his government's commitment to paying Sydney teams for Big Bash games in Canberra is not an open-ended arrangement. This declaration comes as a fierce war erupts over potential capital expansion in the cricket world.
Boardroom Battle Overshadows Successful Season
A Cricket Australia boardroom brawl has cast a shadow over the conclusion of one of the most successful Big Bash seasons in recent history. Administrators find themselves at loggerheads over Canberra's expansion aspirations and the involvement of Cricket ACT chairman Greg Boorer.
Boorer, who leads a $17 billion digital infrastructure company, has been actively lobbying for a standalone Canberra team for more than a year. He secured Barr's support after striking a $3 million deal for government funding contingent on his success.
Funding Strategy for Canberra's Franchise Hopes
In the midst of this battle between cricket heavyweights, Barr has stepped up to bat for Canberra's ambitions to secure a Big Bash licence. He revealed that funding for Sydney Thunder games has been strategically delivered with the ultimate goal of eventually securing an ACT franchise.
The government allocates approximately $800,000 annually to host matches at Manuka Oval, with a significant portion directed to the Thunder. This arrangement occurs as Cricket Australia explores the possibility of privatising the Big Bash League, which could lead to the complete sale of the Thunder franchise.
Opposition and Rumours Fuel Conflict
Cricket NSW's opposition to Canberra expansion has ignited a fierce battle, compounded by unfounded rumours suggesting Boorer might purchase the Thunder and relocate them to the capital. Barr points to recent large crowds at Manuka Oval as clear evidence that Canberra fans are eager to see Big Bash games in their own backyard.
The Chief Minister stands firmly behind Boorer in his push to deliver a franchise to Canberra. The ACT government emphasises that business cases for funding sporting content are strengthened by any potential associated outcomes.
Government's Clear Stance on Future Support
Barr has vowed to work closely with Cricket ACT in their approach to supporting future Big Bash games. He stated unequivocally, "The government supports the ACT having its own women's and men's Big Bash teams. We have been working with Cricket ACT to put forward a strong proposal to Cricket Australia."
He continued, "Discussions with Cricket Australia are ongoing, and we understand there is strong private investment interest to make this a reality. The government will continue playing a constructive role in these conversations."
Barr made it clear that funding for Sydney Thunder games should not be assumed by Cricket NSW to continue indefinitely. This support has been about building momentum toward an ACT Big Bash franchise.
Canberra's Expansion Pitch Faces Challenges
Cricket ACT bosses, including Boorer and chief executive Olivia Thornton, remain committed to securing regular Big Bash games in Canberra. They maintain that a team in the capital could significantly benefit the competition, having met with officials from every state to advocate for Canberra's case.
Boorer's initial expansion proposal included paying a fee to the Sydney Thunder to offset income lost from being removed from Manuka Oval. However, New Zealand has emerged as a favourite in the expansion debate, with broadcasters potentially keen to capitalise on a new timeslot offered across the Tasman.
Expansion Realities and Relocation Possibilities
Sceptics argue that while the timeslot might work on weekends, midweek games—which are plentiful in the Big Bash schedule—could create logistical headaches for officials. If Cricket Australia opts to expand across the Tasman, or decides against expansion altogether, Canberra's only chance to secure a team would be through the relocation of an existing franchise.
This debate unfolds as Cricket Australia celebrates this summer's BBL competition as "Australia's most watched sports league on a per-game basis." Crowd figures reached an average of 24,751—the highest in eight years—demonstrating the league's growing popularity even as expansion tensions simmer beneath the surface.
