Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that it will explore alternatives for the future of the Big Bash League (PBL).
The board set a mid-April deadline for the country’s six member states to signal their support for selling a 49% stake in most BBL teams and a 100% stake in one team each in Victoria and New South Wales.
New South Wales rejected the CA’s proposal, while Queensland deferred its decision, saying it needed more information.
“As CA does not currently have full alignment on the proposed next step with our members, some alternative options that require further analysis and consideration with the states are being considered and work is underway,” CA said in a statement.
“Australian cricket is united in its continued investment in all aspects of the game and CA thanks the state associations and players for their commitment and cooperation in this project.”
The lack of consensus is a major blow to CA President Mike Baird and CEO Todd Greenberg, who led the privatization following last year’s review by Boston Consulting Group.
CA had hoped to raise up to A$600 million ($427 million) to future-proof the sport, boost its funding and improve Australia’s competitiveness in T20 cricket.
CA reported a net deficit of A$11.3 million for the 2024-25 financial year, despite a boost in revenue from hosting the lucrative Border-Gavaskar series against powerhouse India.
Despite the potential for a major capital boost, influential cricket figures in Australia have opposed opening up the league to private money, saying it would damage the control of the sport’s local guardians.