The Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) has turned down Cricket Australia’s proposal to privatise the Big Bash League.
ACA chief executive Paul Marsh sent an email to Australian players on Sunday evening, June 14, explaining the association’s stance after discussions with board members and player delegates.
This decision follows Cricket Victoria’s recent move to merge the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars into one franchise and sell their stake.
“Australian cricket is not currently united on the right path to privatisation. The recent issues around Cricket Victoria’s proposed sale of the [Melbourne] Renegades and merger with the [Melbourne] Stars reinforce our view that the game is not yet aligned on an approach that will deliver the appropriate value in the privatisation process,” Marsh wrote in the email, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
A meeting between Cricket Australia executives and state association chairs is scheduled for Monday, June 15, where a vote will decide the next steps for the BBL privatisation plan. This plan would let states choose whether to invite private investment into their teams.
Marsh pointed out that more needs to be done regarding player revenue sharing and salary structures before they can consider accepting the privatisation bid.
“ACA believes privatisation can succeed. However, CA’s current MOU proposal does not enhance the existing player revenue share, does not guarantee salary increases for all player groups, and does not address the broader priorities we have shared with CA. Until CA’s offer improves, we cannot accept the current proposal. We do not align with the current direction or the proposed MOU. We don’t believe it will benefit the game or the players,” the email stated.
In further reports by ESPNcricinfo, Marsh noted that the ACA is discussing ways to improve player salary structures and reduce the pay gap between domestic and overseas players in the league.
CA CEO Todd Greenberg, formerly ACA CEO, mentioned that the pay disparity was a key reason for considering privatisation. The ACA aims to collaborate with State Associations and CA to create better agreements that focus on players’ needs.
“Privatisation cannot move forward without ACA’s agreement. Our plan is to continue working with CA and the States to address these issues so we can reach an agreement beneficial for both players and the game. This may take time, and we ask players to be patient. As the sale of these teams is permanent, we need to get it right now.”
The ACA will also meet with players from the Melbourne Stars and Renegades to address concerns about Cricket Victoria’s proposal. Players have expressed their dissatisfaction over not being informed of the board’s decision to merge the two teams.