LISA STHALEKAR: Big Bash privatisation could mean Perth Scorchers get new name

The men’s Big Bash final was played in front of 55,018 adoring fans at Optus Stadium, as the Perth Scorchers secured their place as the most successful BBL team.

Yet there was a sense after that final, was this the last time we were going to see the Scorchers play, under that name, in that bright orange colour?

Cricket Australia had been working tirelessly behind the scenes with all stakeholders about the partial privatisation of the BBL.

It was something that was initiated by former Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley and his successor, Todd Greenberg, continues to champion it.

On numerous occasions throughout the Ashes, Greenberg spoke about the financial situation of CA and how a reboot of the BBL and the Women’s BBL was needed to keep up with the rest of the other T20 Leagues around the world.

There has been some assurances made along the way by Greenberg about selling off the BBL franchises. CA want to have a level of control on the franchises, therefore are only willing to sell 49 per cent of each of the clubs.

However, like most negotiations, the goal post will tend to move, with discussions now emerging about the 100 per cent sale of the Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades to incentivise investors looking for full control of a club.

For the Scorchers fans, they have already come along on a journey with the side. Initially, they created a fortress at the WACA ground with sold out matches. Away teams hated playing there, as their fans and players knew every inch of that surface and were able to extract every ounce from that venue.

Then former CEO WACA, Christina Matthews and her board decided to move the Scorchers matches to the new ground across the Swan River, a mini version of the MCG, Optus Stadium. It provided better viewing for even more fans.

It took some little time for players to understand the new surface and once they did, winning again became a habit for the team. The fans happily followed and on the Sunday they claimed their sixth title.

The Scorchers now rival IPL clubs such as Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings as the most successful T20 team.

Though if privatisation occurs the Scorchers may be sold to an overseas investor. They could come from the US or could be an IPL team owner, while the best outcome for the West Aussies would be one of their local resources magnates buying in.

Greenberg has been quoted that he doesn’t believe that all clubs will change their names as the BBL has embedded a 15-year long association with the name and colours. Though I find it hard to believe if the Mumbai Indians were to buy a franchise that they wouldn’t want to align it with the rest of their teams, MI Emirates, MI Cape Town, MI New York and now MI London in the Hundred.

I think that it is quite naive of CA to think that. When a deal needs to be done and money is on the table I would imagine that everything would be up for discussion.

For the Perth Scorchers and their fans, they will be hoping the dynasty that they have built over in the west continues even with the injection of private money. They are on to a good thing in terms of culture and high performance and their fans adore them.

Only time will tell if that continues, however in the meantime let’s applaud another wonderful tournament from the Perth Scorchers.