Players have been left confused, uncertain and anxious by Cricket Victoria announcing plans to sell one of its BBL licences to private investors, says the Australian Cricketers' Association.
CV stunned the cricket world on Tuesday by informing players and staff it would effectively merge its existing BBL franchises the Melbourne Renegades and Stars into one team from this summer.
That would clear the way for CV to sell its second licence to private investors, pending approval from ACA and Cricket Australia.
But on Wednesday, the players' union ACA said that approval was a long way from being granted, and lamented CV's sudden announcement.
"Whilst a potential agreement between CA and the ACA is being discussed, it is not imminent and as such, any talk of privatising any teams for the coming season is premature," read a press statement.
"Cricket Victoria's (CV) announcement about a merger between the Stars and Renegades with the introduction of a new, privately owned club has created confusion, uncertainty and anxiety amongst players.
"The ACA believes now is the critical juncture for all in Australian cricket to come together to find the best model for the future of all stakeholders in our game."
ACA's statement comes as representatives Cricket NSW, South Australian Cricket Association and Queensland Cricket met on Wednesday to discuss their own concerns.
The three states have requested a meeting with CA for Thursday.
Pushback from NSW and Queensland had thwarted plans to privatise the BBL as a whole in April, with CA now considering a phased sale of stakes by states that are interested.
Even with the issue at the forefront of the cricket consciousness, rival states were blindsided to learn of Victoria's plans through the media on Tuesday night.
"One of the first things that came into mind when I read that story is the unknown, the confusion," Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said on Wednesday morning.
"None of us know, including Cricket Victoria, where this is going to end. It's really difficult to grasp."
It's understood the three state bodies are worried about the long-term financial viability of privatisation, and how they could be affected downstream.
There is a fear from those states that, once the initial financial sugar hit of privatisation wears off, the states and CA will be in a financially worse position given they have rescinded control of their assets.
The three states are also sceptical of CA's plans to manage the cash-strapped Renegades if they cannot be sold in time for the upcoming BBL season, given their own financial woes.
CA ran at a loss of more than $11 million for the 2024/25 financial year.
The possible consequences of inviting external influence into the league are also a source of consternation for CNSW, SACA and Queensland Cricket.
As it stands, Australia's leading Test players are rarely available for significant BBL game time given their busy schedule over the summer.
But there is a feeling private owners could pressure players to prioritise their franchise sides over national duties, unless CA was able to weigh in.
Australian Test captain Pat Cummins, who has played nine seasons in the IPL, said that issue could be solved.
"I think you can sort it out. The world has changed, you need to update the contracting structure to keep some control of those issues," he said at an event for Amazon Prime's coverage of the women's Twenty20 World Cup.
"Selfishly, I'm the Aussie captain, I want as many players available as possible for the Aussie set-up. There does need to be a few tweaks to make sure the priorities stay the same."
CNSW has been hopeful the monetary boost of privatisation could be replaced by rethinking and revamping the league's wagering partnerships, digital venue and sponsorship deals.
Privately, CNSW was also dismayed Cricket Victoria's plans to rescind control of its BBL assets came on the same day the Sydney Thunder announced investment into the league by signing cricket legend Andrew Flintoff as coach.
"We continue to work with the States to explore options for private investment in the Big Bash Leagues," CA chief executive Todd Greenberg said in a statement.
"There's still plenty of work to be done and nothing has been decided or approved as yet."
