NSW Cricket slams private investment as a 'threat' to grassroots cricket

[p]Cricket Australia announced ‌on Tuesday that private investors would be ‌introduced into the Big Bash League (BBL) from the 2027-28 season, ‌beginning with the sale of the Melbourne Renegades ‌Twenty20 franchise.[/p][p]While backing the continued growth of both the men's and women's BBL competitions, Cricket NSW said diverting profits ‌to external investors risked reducing funds available ⁠for community cricket.[/p][p]"[b]This decision ‌risks leaving cricket in NSW and Australia strategically and financially ​worse off, with direct consequences for our ability to invest in grassroots cricket,[/b]" Cricket ​NSW said in a statement.[/p][p]Cricket NSW said profits generated by its Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder franchises were ⁠reinvested into participation ​programmes, contributing to an 80% increase in participation among children aged five to 12 over the past four years.[/p][p]It added that one-third of Australia's contracted players came ‌from NSW.[/p][p]"[b]The redistribution of profits to external investors reduces our ability to invest in community cricket, creating long-term impacts at all levels,[/b]" it said.[/p][p]Cricket NSW also expressed disappointment with the process leading to the decision, saying it had raised concerns with Cricket Australia.[/p][p]The board added that four conditions agreed by state association chairs in June before any sale process ‌was undertaken had not been met.[/p][p]Despite its opposition, the ​organisation said it would continue working with Cricket ‌Australia and other stakeholders to ensure the game's future.[/p][p]"[b]We are proud to be part of an Australian cricket system that is the envy of the world. Cricket NSW will continue working with ⁠Cricket Australia... to ensure ⁠our game continues to ‌thrive,[/b]" it added.[/p]