IPL Franchises Could Enter Big Bash League as Cricket Australia Approves Private Ownership

Cricket Australia has opened the door to private ownership in the Big Bash League, creating the possibility of Indian Premier League franchise groups expanding their growing global presence into Australian T20 cricket.

The Melbourne Renegades will become the first Big Bash League and Women's Big Bash League team to be offered for full private ownership after Cricket Australia approved a new self-determination model for the competition.

Cricket Australia is expected to invite bids for a 100 per cent stake in the Melbourne Renegades, with the new ownership structure set to take effect from the 2027-28 BBL and WBBL seasons. The move will not affect the upcoming Australian cricket season.

The decision marks a major change for the Big Bash League, which has traditionally operated under cricket's existing state-based structure. Other BBL franchises could also explore private investment under the new model.

While there has been no confirmation that any IPL franchise group plans to bid for the Melbourne Renegades, the development could attract significant interest from Indian cricket investors who have already expanded into multiple T20 leagues around the world.

IPL franchise owners have increasingly built international cricket networks through investments in leagues across South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the Caribbean and England.

The Mumbai Indians ownership group operates teams including MI Cape Town, MI Emirates, MI New York and MI London. The Kolkata Knight Riders group has expanded through teams such as Trinbago Knight Riders, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Los Angeles Knight Riders.

Other IPL ownership groups have also established international teams. Chennai Super Kings have expanded through Joburg Super Kings and Texas Super Kings, while Rajasthan Royals have interests in Paarl Royals and Barbados Royals.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals ownership groups have also developed international franchise portfolios across major T20 competitions.

With private ownership now permitted in the Big Bash League, Australia could become another important destination for these global cricket franchise groups.

However, private investors will not receive complete control over the competition. Cricket Australia will continue to oversee several key areas, including international scheduling, player availability, salary caps and media rights.

Cricket Australia will also retain the authority to approve potential investors and determine reserve prices for franchise sales. Any major changes to a team's name, colours or branding will require approval from the governing body.

The Melbourne Renegades are the first BBL franchise officially being offered for private ownership. Other teams, including the Hobart Hurricanes, Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars, are also understood to be open to private investment.

The Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers are not currently pursuing private ownership opportunities.

For now, there is no confirmed IPL-backed bid for the Melbourne Renegades or any other Big Bash League franchise. However, Cricket Australia's decision to allow private investment could signal the beginning of a new era for Australian T20 cricket.

As IPL franchise owners continue expanding their presence across international leagues, the Big Bash League could become another major market in the rapidly growing global cricket franchise ecosystem.