Alistair Dobson, the boss of the Big Bash League, has confirmed that no teams from Sydney or Melbourne will be relocated to make room for an ACT franchise. Dobson emphasized the importance of keeping two teams in each city and dismissed reports of a potential push from Cricket ACT to enter teams into the BBL and WBBL. The ACT has not had a team in the men’s domestic top flight since 2000, but there are discussions about introducing a team in Canberra either through competition expansion or relocation. Dobson also stated that the controversial international player draft will be retained as the foundation for signing international stars to the league, despite calls to scrap it. Adelaide Strikers coach Jason Gillespie expressed concerns about the draft alienating fans and deterring top players from returning to the league. Dobson mentioned ongoing discussions about adjusting contracting rules to retain players for longer. Despite the absence of some international players due to other commitments, average attendances for BBL matches increased by 27% this season, with five matches drawing crowds of over 40,000. The Sydney Sixers will face the Brisbane Heat in the BBL final at the SCG on Wednesday night.
Alistair Dobson, the boss of the Big Bash League, has confirmed that no teams from Sydney or Melbourne will be relocated to make room for an ACT franchise. Dobson emphasized the importance of keeping two teams in each city and dismissed reports of a potential push from Cricket ACT to enter teams into the BBL and WBBL. The ACT has not had a team in the men’s domestic top flight since 2000, but there are discussions about introducing a team in Canberra either through competition expansion or relocation. Dobson also stated that the controversial international player draft will be retained as the foundation for signing international stars to the league, despite calls to scrap it. Adelaide Strikers coach Jason Gillespie expressed concerns about the draft alienating fans and deterring top players from returning to the league. Dobson mentioned ongoing discussions about adjusting contracting rules to retain players for longer. Despite the absence of some international players due to other commitments, average attendances for BBL matches increased by 27% this season, with five matches drawing crowds of over 40,000. The Sydney Sixers will face the Brisbane Heat in the BBL final at the SCG on Wednesday night.
