‘How do we keep getting into this mess?’ BBL fail leaves bitter aftermath

May 4, 2026 — 12:02pm

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"How do we keep getting into this mess?"

These words, from a senior Australian cricket powerbroker, come down the line with a sense of frustration but also sadness.

The collapse of Cricket Australia’s plans to sell stakes in every Big Bash League club was technically a win for the dissenting states over the central governing body, and a reflection of public opinion that has grown increasingly sceptical of the idea. An online poll by this masthead last week, completed by more than 2500 readers, returned a resounding 83 per cent of votes against selling.

But no one spoken to by this masthead is in the mood for celebrating. Instead, they are counting the cost.

Cricket NSW hits back at ‘misconceptions’ after Big Bash sell-off fight

There is a shared sense within CA and the states that cricket needs something better than yet another round of internal bickering that has bruised numerous relationships within the game and achieved little, other than to leave the former New South Wales Premier Mike Baird weighing up whether he should continue as CA chair.

While Baird and Cricket NSW, which nominated him to the CA Board in 2020, ended up very much at odds over the sale of BBL clubs, there is broad agreement that the Australian cricket decision-making system needs to be reviewed. “Governance change is essential,” said another Australian cricket powerbroker.

And if Baird does continue as chair for another three years from October,........

© The Age