The 15th iteration of the Big Bash Twenty20 league rushes to its conclusion on Sunday as the two best teams over the history of the competition once again face off for the title.

Since the league’s evolution from the six-team, state-based competition, which ran from 2005-06 until 2010-11, into the eight franchises structure, the value of the competition has been assessed mainly in terms of financial advancement, but it has also added another layer to player employment and development.

Steve Smith batting at the SCG.Credit: Getty Images

The turnstile success of the BBL has not fully filled coffers of state associations, but it has relieved the budgetary stress that comes with running bodies responsible for professional teams and junior associations.

The creation of a competition to sit alongside the state 50-over competitions and the Sheffield Shield was brilliantly conceived and delivered. The parallel conception of the WBBL has literally been a game changer for women’s cricket. It goes from strength to strength given its stand-lone scheduling after beginning life with double headers with the men. WBBL teams are setting crowd records and, perhaps more importantly, revenue records.

It is an open secret that Cricket Australia is looking deeply into selling off parts of the BBL and, I assume, WBBL franchises. As a side note, I would much prefer the teams were called “clubs” than “franchises” given their connection with local communities and fans – and even if teams are sold they won’t be moving from their home grounds. Any injection of money can lead to new venues, better training facilities, help train support staff, employ coaches, and maybe even pay the players more. More cash could also provide for a couple more clubs as eight teams aren’t covering........

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