Big Bash League to follow IPL model? Ex-Australian captain Aaron Finch hopes a BBL auction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has set a gold standard for T20 leagues, not just in cricketing quality but also in player earnings. The IPL auction regularly sees franchises shelling out millions for top cricketers, making it the most lucrative domestic T20 tournament in the world. In contrast, the Big Bash League (BBL) has struggled to offer similar financial rewards, leading to concerns about its ability to attract top talent. Former Australian captain Aaron Finch believes adopting an IPL-style auction could help bridge this gap.

Finch advocates for IPL auction-like system in BBL

Finch, a veteran of Australian T20 cricket and a former Melbourne Renegades captain, has called for the BBL to move away from its current draft system and implement an open auction. Speaking on ESPN’s Around The Wicket, he said: “I’d like to see an auction come in. Each team potentially has the ability to retain maybe four of their players, and then everybody else in the country goes into an auction. That would create a great spectacle.”

He further emphasized that an auction not only makes the tournament more engaging but also ensures that players are paid their true market value. “We see it in the IPL, it’s brilliant, creates evenness across the board. What it does give you as well is it gives you what the players are worth. At times, you might have to overpay for someone, but if it’s an auction, that’s generally what the price of a player is.”

IPL too big for BBL

The IPL’s financial model enables players to earn staggering amounts, with contracts often crossing multi-million dollar figures. For example, in the 2024 IPL auction, players like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc secured record-breaking deals worth over Rs 20 crore each. In contrast, BBL salaries pale in comparison, with most players earning far less, making it difficult for the league to compete for marquee names.

The BBL faces stiff competition from other global T20 leagues like the UAE’s ILT20 and South Africa’s SA20, both of which offer higher salaries to overseas players. This has made it increasingly difficult for BBL franchises to attract international stars. Additionally, unlike the IPL, Australian international cricket continues during the BBL season, limiting the availability of big-name players.