Brisbane Heat captain Usman Khawaja has told the Queensland government it must ensure Queensland Cricket is not sent broke by its Gabba rebuild plans.
The government will spend $2.7 billion on the Gabba for the 2032 Olympics with the venue out of action for four years from 2025.
The state government has announced plans to build a 20,000 seat stadium at the Brisbane Showgrounds for elite cricket and AFL to be played during the construction, but will only stump up a third of the $137 million cost.
Queensland Cricket, which can't afford it, and Brisbane Lions are expected to contribute to the shortfall.
Khawaja and Queensland Cricket favour money being spent instead by the state on an upgrade of Allan Border Field to a 10,000 seat stadium, which the Heat skipper said would be a legacy project.
Khawaja said the relocation from the Gabba would cost Queensland Cricket dearly and that the state government must agree to honour its pledge of financial restitution.
"Talking to Terry Svenson, the CEO of Queensland Cricket, it will be about $45 million we will be out of pocket over four years," Khawaja said.
"I don't know what will happen to Queensland Cricket. We will be broke in three or four years' time. Where will the money come from?
"These are serious issues that Queensland Cricket needs to discuss with the state government.
"I know there was a handshake agreement that the state government would help with the costs Queensland Cricket will incur if we are not playing Big Bash cricket here.
"There's a lot of revenue from that and a lot from Test matches we won't get."
Khawaja said he supported the $2.7 billion rebuild of the Gabba ahead of the Olympics, but added it should not come at the cost of the survival of Queensland Cricket which is a not-for-profit organisation.
"I am very worried. it is going to be a big, big burden on Queensland Cricket," he said.
" I was a little disappointed to hear how the state government are going about it and not offering any help.
"It seems totally bizarre to me. Sport is the backbone of Queensland."
Khawaja explained why a government-funded Allan Border Field upgrade made sense as the venue for cricket to be played during the Gabba restoration.
"I know Queensland Cricket has asked for (financial) help for Allan Border Field, which is our second spiritual home," he said.
"We have asked for help to get 10,000 people into the field. It is an investment in Brisbane and Queensland from my point of view.
"Big Bash can be played there, women's cricket and women's BBL, but Queensland Cricket can't do that without the help of the Queensland government."
