This week saw key shifts in cricket‑business strategy—from Cricket Australia eyeing franchise sales and schedule overhaul, to the fallout at Rohit Sharma’s academy in the UAE and Pakistan’s stand on ICC proposals.
Cricket Australia weighs partial BBL sell‑off amid private investment boom
Cricket Australia is exploring selling minority stakes in Big Bash League franchises, inspired by England’s £520 million Hundred club sales, as part of a broader BCG‑led strategy including salary cap boosts and a season reschedule to enhance global competitiveness. Read full story
Inside Rohit Sharma’s CricKingdom academy: global mission tested by UAE setback
CricKingdom, with 42 locations and over 8,200 students, has had a 7 year journey to fulfill its mission, hit a bump in its UAE operations after its local franchisee became problematic; operations are set to resume directly this September. More importantly, the global mission continues. Read full story
Ben Stokes defends spirit‑of‑cricket stance amid handshake row vs India
England captain Ben Stokes has publicly defended his approach in the fourth Test against India, amid controversy over a handshake rejection that divided public opinion. Read full story
Ben Stokes spirit‑cricket row triggers firestorm; legends divided
Leading cricket figures such as Gavaskar, Steyn and Pietersen are weighing in on the Ben Stokes handshake controversy, with opinions split on sportsmanship, team culture and broader impact on international cricket etiquette. Read full story
Pakistan to oppose ICC’s proposed two‑tier Test system over relegation risk
Pakistan plans to formally resist the ICC’s two‑tier test format citing concerns it could increase relegation risks and undermine competitive balance and status. Read full story
Pakistan still without Asia Cup 2025 TV broadcaster amid Sony India price impasse
Pakistan Cricket Board is in limbo over Asia Cup 2025 broadcast rights as Sony India demands $12 million, hampering confirmed coverage plans. Read full story
ECB nears £520M windfall from The Hundred as franchise sales wrap up
ECB is closing in on a £520 million windfall from selling minority stakes in The Hundred franchises, marking a landmark investment milestone. Read full story
Birmingham Phoenix confirm £40M equity sale to Knighthead Capital
Birmingham Phoenix has finalised a £40 million equity sale with US firm Knighthead Capital, signalling deeper US involvement in The Hundred. Read full story
ICC set to approve substitutes for external injuries after Manchester Test incident
The ICC is poised to approve a new protocol allowing substitutes for external injuries, following a controversial incident during the Manchester Test. Read full story
Carlos Brathwaite: the crisis of cashless cricket (guest post)
Brathwaite addresses the financial strains and digital shifts in cricket, arguing that cashlessness is undermining grassroots development and player welfare. Read full story
Hyderabad Cricket Association secretary arrested in CID forgery and cheating probe
The Hyderabad CA secretary has been arrested amid allegations of forgery and cheating, triggering internal investigations at the state board level. Read full story
Asia Cup 2025 to be held in UAE from Sept 9‑28; India‑Pakistan clash in group stage confirmed
Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled in the UAE from September 9 to 28, with the marquee India‑Pakistan fixture locked in for the group stage—boosting regional viewership prospects. Read full story
Four foreign companies express interest in organising Bangladesh Premier League
Four international firms have expressed interest in managing the Bangladesh Premier League, amid growing global appetite for Bangladesh’s franchise cricket potential. Read full story
What it means to be America’s favorite cricket team: Seattle aims big
Seattle’s cricket stakeholders outline a bold vision to establish the city’s team as America’s top cricket franchise, focusing on fan engagement, infrastructure and youth development. Read full story
Gavaskar slams ICC over incompetence, cites Ganguly in fiery take after Pant injury
Sunil Gavaskar launched a scathing critique of the ICC’s handling of wicketkeeping protocols, invoking Sourav Ganguly as he questioned the board’s competence following Rishabh Pant’s injury. Read full story
