IPL owners interested in the privatization of BBL

Speculations regarding the privatisation of Australia's premium T20 tournament, the Big Bash League, are rife. Since its inception in 2011, the BBL immediately shot to fame and became the seventh most attended sports league during 2015-17.

However, there has been a decline in the tournament's popularity due to new T20 tournaments and the unavailability of domestic and overseas stars. 

The league coincides with the international fixtures; thus, most big names have given the tournament a miss. Unfortunately, the same has resulted in BBL failing to attract good sponsorship and TV deals. 

To deal with the issue, the authorities have devised the idea of privatisation. As per a report published by Newscorp, a few IPL franchise owners are interested in buying a stake in the BBL. By going private, Big Bash League will be able to attract overseas stars along with economic stability. 

Rajasthan Royals' advisory board member, Ravneet Gill told NewsCorp, "I hope they can take a leaf out of what's happened with the IPL because the fundamental truth of it is Australia is such a massive cricketing superpower and there is no reason why the Big Bash should not be up there (as a top league).

"It just needs a bit of rejuvenation. I think the BBL needs a shot in the arm and needs to be reignited and my sense is privatisation could be the catalyst. If it went down that path, I think there would be a lot of interest from Indian investors."

Currently, BBL is entirely under the ownership of Cricket Australia. There is hope that privatisation can help the tournament scale the lofty heights of IPL. The South African and UAE domestic leagues are also set to follow in the footsteps of IPL, and they will be inviting private investments in the league. 

Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee believes that Australia should also follow suit. Lee reckons that privatisation will open doors for superstars like Virat Kohli to play in the T20 extravaganza and take it to another level. The veteran suggested co-ownership as one of the methods to solve the problem.

"You could have co-ownership and Cricket Australia could retain 51% and still control things, but with that extra funding, I think you could get some really high profile stars to come out.

"I am talking about the Virat Kohli. Imagine Kohli playing for the Sixers and the crowds you would get. I am really impressed with the Big Bash. They have done a great job. But to reach the next level that is what you would have to do," Brett Lee said.

Meanwhile, some officials aren't happy with the proposal of BBL going private. Former Channel ten executive David Barham, who played an integral role in BBL's inauguration in 2011, believes the tournament will lose its essence. David has advised Cricket Australia to come up with alternate ideas for the betterment of the competition. 

"I don't think it's a very good idea because you lose control. If you are running it properly you shouldn't need to privatise. Privatisation to me seems to be for someone who has run out of ideas and can't get the money in. The BBL is a sport that was designed to encourage youth and families to get involved with the game," David added.