Cricket Victoria pauses plans to merge Stars and Renegades
Renegades and Stars, the two Melbourne-based Big Bash League clubs, will continue to feature as separate entities in the next season of BBL and WBBL.
The update comes on the heels of a meeting between Cricket Australia and the six state associations to determine the next course of action for privatising the BBL. Cricket Victoria clarified that the upcoming edition will continue to feature the two teams as they are. Earlier this month, talks of a rebranding had taken shape, with the intention to merge the Stars and Renegades into one unit, selling 100 per cent of the license for the Renegades to a private investor.
However, both clubs jointly stated that they will not go ahead with a rebranded team for the next season, "due to the extended timeline for a decision on BBL privatisation".
"We want to acknowledge the passion, loyalty and pride you have shown in this club and we look forward to seeing you at a game this summer," the statement added.
Cricket Victoria have already given "in principle support" for a self-determination model for private investment in the Big Bash. Currently, there's a contracting embargo that prevents teams from signing players to roster from last season.
With privatisation talks advancing, Cricket Victoria have applied to government agency IP Australia, setting aside three names to potentially trademark for their rebranded Melbourne team. The names are Rangers, Magic and Blazers.
There's still plenty of work to be done before the privatisation talks advance further. According to Cricket Australia, four conditions need to be resolved before the next stage can be reached. These are:
- The structure of governance for the new Big Bash Leagues to be agreed;
- Change to the current CA governance structure to take into account the new operating model;
- Agreement to be reached on the mechanics of a self-determination model with the ACA;
- Agreement between CA and each of the states on future funding and distribution agreements.
As per preliminary discussions, the rebranded Melbourne team will don a blue-and-white playing kit, similar to the colours of the Victoria One-Day jersey. They will play their home matches in Melbourne.
Last season, the Stars reached the playoffs, losing to Hobart Hurricanes after finishing fourth on the points table. The Renegades, meanwhile, finished seventh out of eight.
After Monday's meeting, Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird said: "The states have agreed to go back to their boards to discuss these proposals and address any questions that might arise from their members on four key topics involving governance of the (Big Bash Leagues) and CA, player support and state distributions.
"We're confident this will lead to the best possible outcome for everyone including grassroots participants and volunteers and professional players and provide certainty for the future of cricket in Australia."
