Investors get green light as Australia aims to rival IPL

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AUSTRALIAN cricket faces one the of most important days in its history on Friday when senior officials plan to rescue the game's popularity. More... Senior officials to come up with plans to save domestic cricket Robert Craddock The Courier-Mail October 24, 2010 AUSTRALIAN cricket faces one the of most important days in its history on Friday when its senior officials plot a course to rescue the game's fading popularity. Cricket Australia has been planning for several years to try to recapture the hearts of young Australia by putting a six- or eight-team Twenty20 competition smack bang in the middle of Australia's summer. It would be Australia's version of the Indian Premier League. The teams would be city rather than state based so the Brisbane Barracudas or Bandicoots would play instead of the Queensland Bulls. That in itself is a major gamble because while you might be able to buy a cricket team you cannot buy history or the most cherished ingredient in any club's framework: supporters hearts. Instant coffee and instant noodles may be a winner in modern society but instant sporting teams? Maybe. Endless meetings have failed to resolve key aspects of the competition: when it starts, how many teams it has, how players are chosen for it, whether franchises are privately owned. You cannot blame Australia for being cautious, the game's future is at stake here, but the time has arrived for tough, firm decision making. If the competition is to start next season, as most officials hope it will, Friday's CA board meeting is seen as the one which should produce the rubber stamp. It is a bold move but one the game must take. This project is not with its flaws but it has many more ticks than crosses. Cricket Australia officials were greatly concerned by results of surveys taken over the last four years which show the game had fallen well down the radar on the interest scale of young Australians. While cricket was still a big priority in the lives of those old enough to remember the Lillee-Chappell-Marsh era, the game's administrators cringed when they viewed survey results of Australians under the age of 30 and saw that dancing and tennis were of much greater interest than their cherished game. Cricket's existence is not under threat because the game's roots are robust and widely entrenched across our wide brown land and for the two month span of this summer's Ashes series the game will look as vibrant as Popeye after a can of spinach. But the game's growth has flatlined, throttled by the fast pace of modern society. Television ratings have fallen substantially over the past decade. Smaller backyards have curtailed backyard cricket while computer games and other indoor activities have drawn young Australia away from the traditional thinking that you play football in winter and cricket in summer. Youngsters now prefer to get their Ipod in on the lounge than their eye in in the backyard. Many schools don't even have cricket teams. Teachers lack the time to coach it. Parents struggle to devote the time to watch it. CA officials have been given data which suggests the greatest crime they could make is to do nothing. The game's growth has stagnated. It needs a pep pill. If successful a vibrant new Twenty20 competition to replace the already successful Big Bash can revitalise the game in this country. But if it fails the scars will be deep and longlasting. There is every chance that of the new competition goes ahead then the two time-honoured but fading competitions, the Sheffield Shield and the 50-over format now reduced by experiment to 45, will have to be substantially pruned. Having three major domestic competitions each summer just doesn't make sense, especially since none is likely to make a profit. For many years Australia has resisted the thought of tinkeringwith the Sheffield Shield competition as robustly as a man would to changing his religion. But harsh facts are prompting a rethink. The competition attracts embarrassingly small crowds, makes a huge annual loss and has basically no television interest. When Australia was the No.1 Test nation in the world it used to trumpet the fact that it was the mighty Sheffield Shield that got us there. But Australia's current Test ranking is five and the Shield is tossing up journeymen cricketers. When Australia last week fielded a pace attack of John Hastings, Mitchell Starc and Clint McKay in a one-day game in India it struck many local fans that a system which once threw up national heroes was now producing players so anonymous they would be barely recognised in the main streets of their home cities. There is a chance that the Shield format could be substantially pruned from 10 games a year to eight or five. That would pain the hearts of traditionalists but the game is changing and Australia must change with it.

[Karan114]

Indian investors eye stake in Australian T20 sides Indian investors eye stake in Australian T20 sides MELBOURNE: Keen to cash in on the Twenty20 craze, Indian investors are now showing interest in buying stakes in Australian sides -- New South Wales and Victoria Bushrangers . According to 'The Australian', both NSW and Victoria have different four-man consortia from India willing to pay millions of dollars to take a minority share-holding in the Sydney and Melbourne teams. The move will, however, depend on whether Cricket Australia approves private ownership for an expanded eight-team competition at a board meeting tomorrow, which will finalise the structure of the competition. Following the super success of the Indian Premier League, CA has advanced its plans by a year to begin a new city-based competition in 12 months. Six teams will be based in the state capital cities, with two new licenses yet to be granted. "One of them has USD 5 million read to go now with more to come," a senior cricket figure was quoted as saying by 'The Australian'. State associations would remain in charge of all existing teams regardless of the ownership structure, but CA fears that having private ownership may do more harm than good. Quite a few of them are afraid that enormous amount of money pumped into some teams by private owners may result in a lop-sided competition. "It's one of the big turning points in Australian cricket history," a CA spokesman said, claiming that chief executive James Sutherland believes "it's as big, possibly bigger than the (Kerry) Packer moment. It's important to get it right." It was also suggested that Victoria and NSW should not be allowed to take part in the ownership debate as they have quite a few financial backers. "The detail is comprehensive and the detail is complicated," the CA spokesman said. "There is going to be a lot discussed including the operating model, business model and private ownership, what role does it play, what the right timing is and the like." http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/Indian-investors-eye-stake-in-Australian-T20-sides/articleshow/6824515.cms

[achilles]

If they invest in Australia, BCCI will be pwned beyond imagination. Given the present "steps" which have rubbed the franchises the wrong way, the options may be open to invest abroad. Also, P20 is coming up in England and the Pro20s in SA, India's second home, is always a lucrative option. The next few months are going to be very interesting.

[IKnowU]

The next few months are going to be very interesting.

If the other t20/20 leagues become successful, BCCI will make IPL into a freemarket league where theres no limit of spending on players or the teams. This will cut out some of the competition the IPL would face.

[Zap_Brannigan]

If they invest in Australia, BCCI will be pwned beyond imagination. Given the present "steps" which have rubbed the franchises the wrong way, the options may be open to invest abroad. Also, P20 is coming up in England and the Pro20s in SA, India's second home, is always a lucrative option. The next few months are going to be very interesting.

BCCI can go and take a crap in the franchise owners living room and still get away with it. A billion eyes is what the advertisers are looking for. Nothing is going to change that. IPL is on an untouchable plane because it generates so much money in just 6 weeks. Probably about how much ACB and ECB does from International cricket in the whole year. Don't think Big bash or P20 in Eng will be able to surpass that, although they could be a part of a franchises bigger plans.

[achilles]

If the other t20/20 leagues become successful, BCCI will make IPL into a freemarket league where theres no limit of spending on players or the teams. This will cut out some of the competition the IPL would face.

Maybe. But that could upset the BCCI's agreements with the tax agencies.

BCCI can go and take a crap in the franchise owners living room and still get away with it. A billion eyes is what the advertisers are looking for. Nothing is going to change that. IPL is on an untouchable plane because it generates so much money in just 6 weeks. Probably about how much ACB and ECB does from International cricket in the whole year. Don't think Big bash or P20 in Eng will be able to surpass that, although they could be a part of a franchises bigger plans.

I think nothing is permanent and not everything lasts forever. To tackle the franchises, they need to be professional and street-smart and not throw the book of law at them everytime they wish to override them. The previous incumbent knew how to keep everyone happy. Its been just a few months since his sacking and 2 teams have been removed on debatable grounds, which by itself, is against the "Law of Natural Justice", as I have studied in Law. Considering Franchises, that invested crores of rupees into the BCCI coffers, as idiots and untouchables is only going to harm the BCCI in the long run. Businessmen will eventually find a new business to invest in. I forsee a very grim future and murky court-cases in the next few years.

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Maxwell masterminds Oz - style IPL Former NSW player Neil Maxwell emerges as the mastermind behind the game's biggest shake-up since Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket. More... Former Sheffield Shield cricketer Neil Maxwell revealed as the mastermind behind Australia's version of the IPL From The Daily Telegraph October 29, 2010 Former New South Wales Sheffield Shield cricketer Neil Maxwell has emerged as the mastermind behind the game's biggest shake-up since Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket. Maxwell has been secretly working on plans for Australia's version of the IPL for the past 18 months and is the man responsible for securing more than $60 million in support from rich Indian investors to buy shares in franchises. The former Shield all-rounder would not comment on his involvement, other than saying: "Cricket Australia is currently in discussions about the concept and the future of the game, and it's up to the board to decide what happens next." Maxwell's involvement as the architect of an eight-team national competition starting in 2012 began early last year, when he had talks with NSW and Victorian cricket administrators about getting corporate support from India through his contacts in the Indian Premier League. Half a dozen visits to India later and he had $60 million worth of support to buy shares in Twenty20 franchises in NSW and two in Victoria. "How could we ignore that sort of money?" said one NSW official, who asked not to be identified because of pressure on the states from Cricket Australia before the board votes on whether to accept private ownership at its meeting on Friday. "It's not as if there's a bottomless pit at Cricket Australia. They're hardly flush with funds. "At state level we have to think about our own grass roots because we're in serious competition with all the other sports. "Look at what the AFL is doing by surging into schools with their Ozkick programs, giving away backpacks and Sherrin footballs to the kids. "Cricket has to start doing the same thing with juniors and it's a costly exercise. We don't get enough money from Cricket Australia to do the job professionally, like other major sports." Maxwell is also the agent for a number of high-profile players - including Michael Hussey, Brett Lee and Marcus North - and once looked after the affairs of Socceroos superstar Tim Cahill. Cricket Australia held its AGM in Melbourne on Thursday, which included a comprehensive Twenty 20 presentation with a strong emphasis on ownership issues that will be voted on by directors from all states at Friday's board meeting. One insider said: "The meeting was upbeat because NSW and Victoria have been open with other states about their hopes for the future. A huge range of issues were discussed from all the team locations to branding, which will be edgy and youth oriented." Eight teams will play each other twice before a finals series in a tournament over five weeks. NSW and Victoria will have two teams, and the other states one each. The franchises will have a salary cap of up to $2.6 million and will sign overseas stars and retired champions, including Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne. Television coverage is expected to be shared between Channel Nine and Fox Sports but CA's TV deal with Nine expires in 2012 and interest from other commercial networks is expected because of the new series.

[achilles]

Aha. His voice is like velvet. Lets hope his plan is as good as his voice.

[Mamu]

What is interesting about this tournament is -- it is going to be held in December/January which is peak of Aus season. Does this mean the test players will not play in this? This is also peak for India -- which almost in variably plays during that time. Not sure what plans does CSA have for this.

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It’s official: Australia gives nod to big cash Cricket Australia (CA) on Friday approved private investments in its revamped IPL-style T20 tournament — the eight-team Big Bash League — that begins next year. The decision paves the way for Indian companies and individuals to become minority stakeholders of the teams. More... Australia gives nod to big cash HT Correspondent/Agencies, Hindustan Times New Delhi, October 29, 2010 Decks have been cleared for Indian investors to get their fingers into the Australian cricket pie. Cricket Australia (CA) on Friday approved private investments in its revamped IPL-style T20 tournament — the eight-team Big Bash League — that begins next year. The decision paves the way for Indian companies and individuals to become minority stakeholders of the teams. “The board has approved investment of minority holdings in each of the respective teams and the details of that will be further contemplated in the coming weeks,” CA chief executive James Sutherland said after the Cricket Australia board meeting here. Explaining the share of private investment, the CA chief executive told cricinfo: “The board has taken a position that it will be less than 49% (minority share), probably more likely to be 33%.” Sutherland insisted that the states would remain in control of the six current teams, which will convert to city sides, as well as the two new clubs. However, he added: “All of the teams may well have private investment, we’ll see how things unfold and what expressions of interest may come through in terms of investment.” Media reports in Australia had earlier claimed that Indian companies such as the Adani group, real estate giants Dheeraj and East Coast and even Kolkata Knight Riders part-owner Jai Mehta are waiting to splash big sums of money in the eight Big Bash franchisees. On Friday, The Australian said each of the eight Big Bash teams could be worth twice as much as the Brisbane Broncos, one of the most popular football clubs in the country and recently valued at $ 36 million (R 156 crore) on the stock exchange. Sutherland said: “I think it’s interesting to see the sort of values one might place on these teams based on the investor interest; certainly compared to other sporting franchises or teams around this country it puts these Big Bash teams at an all new level and as high a value as any sporting team in the country.” The CA believes the Big Bash can revolutionise the game just like the Kerry Packer World Series did three decades ago, but Sutherland said the new league should not be seen as a competitor to the hugely successful IPL. “I don’t think we see ourselves as a competitor to the IPL (in terms of player earnings) and certainly the revenues that the Cricket Australia Big Bash League can generate. In a small market such as Australia it’s not going to be the same as the IPL,” Sutherland said. “But at the same time this league is on the international stage.” Adani, KKR deny interest A day after the Australian press reported that Indian businessmen Gautam Adani, Jai Mehta and Dheeraj Wadhawan could be eyeing stakes in Australian Big Bash league franchises, Gautam Adani denied any such plans. Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Adani said, “This is baseless news; we are not thinking of buying any cricket team in Australia.” Adani, who heads Adani Enterprises and was also planning to buy an IPL franchise, is reportedly looking to buy coal mines in Queensland state and even the port of Brisbane. Although Jai Mehta, who is the co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), was unavailable for comment, a source in the KKR camp also denied any plans to invest in Australian cricket. The BCCI and the Indian Premier League, meanwhile, did not comment on the matter. Ratnakar Shetty refused to say anything, while IPL CEO, Sundar Raman said, “I haven’t heard about it. So I have nothing to say.”

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Investors get green light as Australia aims to rival IPL CRICKET Australia will allow the states to sell minority shares in their Twenty20 franchises to foreign investors. More... Investors get green light as Australia aims to rival IPL Michael Horan From: Herald Sun October 29, 2010 CRICKET Australia will allow the states to sell minority shares in their Twenty20 franchises to foreign investors. The decision paves the way for Victoria and NSW to press on with their plans to involve Indian financial interests. The eight franchises of a new Twenty20 competition will become Australia's most expensive sporting teams. CA chief executive James Sutherland said last night that sales would most likely be limited to 33 per cent, not the 49 per cent that Victoria and NSW wanted. Sale of a one-third share could still be worth $15-20 million to each franchise. CA has made it clear that part of any windfall would have to be shared by the cricket community and that it would retain the right of veto over any investor. The national Twenty20 competition, called the Big Bash League, would expand from six to eight teams, with city-based names, from the start of the 2011-12 season. "Six of the cities involved will be the existing cities out of which state teams play, with two additional teams to be announced," Sutherland said. The two new teams would not necessarily come from Melbourne and Sydney, with Sutherland confirming interest from other regions, including Geelong. Details of the new teams would be known by February. The Big Bash League will be owned and controlled by Cricket Australia, which clearly is aiming for a profile to rival the Indian Premier League and the Champions League. Sutherland said the Big Bash would be played during December and January, initially over five to six weeks. "The Boxing Day Test is safe," he said, affirming that international cricket would remain the priority.

[Zero_Unit]

If more IPL type leagues starts to open then we might actualy not have much international games being played each year -_-'

[RamP]

The biggest question is whether a certain Mr. Pup will play in this type of tournament.

[India55]

who agrees with me that this 20 20 cric is killing cricket it self..

[Guest BossBhai]

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[ZodiaC]

**** this ****. **** IPL.

[IKnowU]

If more IPL type leagues starts to open then we might actualy not have much international games being played each year -_-'

Thats good imo. International games will have more merit and value when they are played.

[Desi Cartman]

Great news, I see cricket heading in Rugby's direction... only few tests/ODIs a year and rest club kirkit... at least we wont be playing Sri lanka 23 times in 4 weeks :mad:

[yoda]

I like this pro league business, too bad it has to come only in the form of Tontee-tontees. It is however understandable given that the other two formats take an unreasonable amount of time to complete for a single game.