"I am worried": Craddock expresses concern after rejection of BBL privatisation

Robert Craddock has expressed serious concerns about how Cricket Australia will improve its financial position following the rejection of the proposal to privatise the Big Bash League.

After floating the concept of selling stakes in the eight franchises competing in the domestic T20 competition last July, Cricket NSW and Queensland rejected the governing body’s plans, while South Australia expressed some openness to the concept but not for its franchise.

Following that rejection, it has been reported that many of the competition’s superstars have been disappointed by this development and have threatened to play in rival competitions during the same time in the BBL due to a lack of pay.

With those two state cricket associations deciding to block the move, Craddock explained the reasons behind their decision, noting it’s unlikely for the concept to be approved.

“It's not dead, but it's barely got a pulse now,” Craddock told SEN’s Whateley.

“They'll continue to try and get it up (but) what worries me (is) the three states that didn't like it had different reasons.

“New South Wales just felt it was fundamentally flawed.

“Queensland have got a lot of businessmen on their board, and they felt that the offer wasn't good enough.

“They were worried about where the finances were going for it, and they were also worried that, you know, would the Big Bash be a better game with increased salaries?

“And South Australia supported it, but didn't want to be the first team to do it. So, there are three states with three different issues.”

CA sold the move to privatise the BBL to help improve the game’s finances, with their last published annual report showing a loss of $11.3 million.

And with that avenue closed, Craddock is unsure how Cricket Australia can improve its position.

“It's got serious roadblocks ahead of it,” he added.

“And to be honest with you, I am worried about it because Australian cricket last year ran at a net loss of negative $11 million.

“It's got a television rights deal which is not spectacular (and) the big cash cows of India and England are gone for a few years.

“So, where do they get the money?”