Cricket ACT is pushing to enter teams in the men’s and women’s Big Bash competitions and become a joint owner of Cricket Australia (CA). The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Cricket ACT’s multimillion-dollar bid for a license, with presentations made to the federal government and the CA board. However, CA’s state association owners have been resistant to the idea of adding teams in the ACT or Northern Territory due to funding and other roadblocks.
Cricket ACT Chair Greg Boorer presented the overall vision to a CA committee, emphasizing the potential benefits of adding a team in Canberra, such as increased national revenue and more opportunities for players. The submission argued for greater national representation from all eight state/territories, as the current governance structure does not fully reflect the belief that cricket is a game for all Australians.
The proposal also highlighted the success of hosting BBL matches at Manuka Oval and the history of the Canberra Comets in Australia’s domestic one-day competition in the late 1990s. Cricket ACT believes that expanding the Big Bash to Canberra would grow the sport and provide a platform for players in the region and across the country.
Ultimately, Cricket ACT’s goal is to ensure that Cricket Australia’s governance structure is representative of the entire Australian population, including recognition of the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. With a population of over 430,000 as of September 2020, the ACT is eager to have a more prominent role in Australian cricket.
