This week’s biggest stories track fresh investment, commercial deals, and strategic shifts across cricket’s global ecosystem. Cricket Australia opens the Big Bash to private ownership, the BCCI lands ₹130 crore-plus in new sponsorships, while leadership moves, league expansion, and scheduling battles reshape the game.
How Coraaj became cricket’s go-to travel and logistics operator
From IPL franchises and the CPL to ICC World Cup broadcasts, Coraaj has quietly built a position as a trusted travel and logistics partner across global cricket. Founder Rohit Saxena’s business has differentiated itself in a crowded sector by solving complex travel problems for teams, tournaments, broadcasters, and high-profile clients.
Cricket Australia opens Big Bash to private investment with Renegades sale
Cricket Australia is formally opening the BBL and WBBL to private capital, with 100% of the Melbourne Renegades licence becoming the first club taken to market. CA has described private investment as a potential billion-dollar opportunity, with new Renegades ownership targeted for the 2027-28 season.
Exchange4media and cricexec partner to strengthen cricket business coverage
Exchange4media and cricexec have announced a strategic partnership designed to strengthen the cricket business ecosystem. The collaboration brings together two industry-focused media platforms as commercial interest and investment across cricket continue to expand.
BCCI lands ₹130 crore-plus in Campa, SBI Life and ChatGPT deals
Campa, SBI Life and ChatGPT have become BCCI Associate Partners for 35 India home matches through March 2028, with their agreements worth more than ₹130 crore (US$13.7 million) combined. The total represents a 44% increase over the previous cycle, highlighting continued demand for premium Indian cricket inventory.
Ricky Ponting says ‘don’t call it cricket’ to accelerate US growth
Ricky Ponting believes T20 should be marketed as a distinct entertainment product in the US rather than relying on cricket’s traditional identity. The Washington Freedom coach sees comparisons with baseball, a three-hour format, and stronger grassroots investment as key to attracting younger American audiences.
England kit supplier Castore explores sale after takeover interest
England cricket kit supplier Castore is exploring a potential sale after attracting takeover interest. Any transaction would mark another major development for a sportswear brand that has expanded rapidly through partnerships across cricket and the wider global sports industry.
Will Pucovski reaches landmark concussion settlement with CA
Former Australia batter Will Pucovski has reached a confidential financial settlement with Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria following the concussions that ended his career. Pucovski suffered 13 concussions before retiring on medical advice, making the agreement a significant development in cricket’s handling of brain injuries.
Ankit Baldi takes over as CEO of GMR Sports
Ankit Baldi has been promoted to CEO of GMR Sports less than 18 months after joining the organisation, expanding his responsibilities beyond his existing leadership of Southern Brave. The former Chennai Super Kings executive will now oversee GMR’s broader portfolio as the group looks to build a global sports business from India.
Ricky Ponting joins Australia Champions ownership as Warner takes captaincy
Ricky Ponting has joined the ownership group behind Australia Champions, while David Warner will captain the team in the World Championship of Legends. The combination brings two of Australian cricket’s biggest names into prominent commercial and playing roles around the property.
Cricket Australia limits BBL investor power to protect Test cricket
Private investors entering the Big Bash will have influence at club level, but Cricket Australia will retain control over international scheduling and player availability. Centrally contracted Australian players will continue to prioritise Test cricket, establishing a key safeguard as outside capital enters the BBL.
ILT20 launches season five with new identity and star ambassadors
The ILT20 has launched its fifth season with Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar helping unveil a refreshed identity for the UAE competition. The repositioning comes as the league looks to strengthen its brand and build further momentum in an increasingly competitive global T20 market.
ILT20 appoints Mike Fordham interim COO ahead of season five
The ILT20 has appointed experienced cricket executive Mike Fordham as interim chief operating officer ahead of its fifth season. The leadership move comes as the UAE-based competition enters a new phase following recent changes at the top of the organisation.
Mohammad Rizwan appears before cyber crime agency in phone investigation
Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan has appeared before the country’s cyber crime authorities in connection with an investigation involving a mobile phone. The development brings one of Pakistan cricket’s highest-profile players into an ongoing official inquiry.
Ellyse Perry calls for dedicated summer window for Australia women
Ellyse Perry wants Australia’s women to regain a regular home window during the peak summer school holidays, arguing that visibility during this period is critical to growing the game. With the WPL and an increasingly crowded calendar squeezing scheduling options, Australia currently has few peak-summer women’s internationals planned through 2029.
ICC explores multi-nation series as India-Pakistan fixtures enter FTP debate
The ICC is considering greater use of tri-series and four-team competitions as boards begin shaping the 2027-31 Future Tours Programme. Such events could create commercially valuable opportunities for additional India-Pakistan matches without requiring a return to conventional bilateral cricket.
