Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg has warned that clinging to the traditional five-day Test format could jeopardise the financial stability of smaller cricketing nations, suggesting the sport may benefit from concentrating on fewer Tests and investing more in marquee series like the Ashes. Speaking 100 days out from Australia hosting England in the Ashes, Greenberg argued that not every country needs to aspire to play Test cricket, and pushing nations to do so could be ruinous for their finances.
“I don’t think everyone in world cricket needs to aspire to play test cricket, and that might be OK,” Greenberg told reporters. “We’re literally trying to send countries bankrupt if we force them to try to play test cricket.” He added that boards should prioritise meaningful contests over sheer volume, stressing that “scarcity in test cricket is our friend, not our foe,” and that investment should focus on formats and moments that carry jeopardy and significance. He singled out the Ashes as a premier example of a fixture that will remain enormously profitable because it means something to fans and structures the sport’s evolving calendar.
The five-test Ashes series, set to begin in Perth in late November, has already drawn record demand for tickets, underscoring the enduring appeal of Test cricket even as the format faces pressure from the rapid rise of Twenty20 leagues. Franchised T20 competitions around the globe are reshaping player priorities and the overall calendar, with an increasing number of top players dedicating more time to short-form leagues at the expense of Tests and ODIs.
Greenberg also touched on Cricket Australia’s evolving stance toward private investment in its domestic league, the Big Bash League (BBL). After a review by Boston Consulting Group, CA signalled openness to exploring privatisation, although he stressed no final decision had been made and that any path forward would involve collaboration across Australia’s cricket leadership and be aimed at broader benefits. Previously, CA had resisted private ownership of BBL teams, but the policy direction could shift as the sport weighs profitability against the health of the Test game.
The wider backdrop to Greenberg’s comments is a calendar increasingly crowded by lucrative T20 leagues, which has prompted discussions about how best to protect the long-form game. Other developments in the cricket world point to a continued emphasis on high-profile, historically meaningful fixtures—such as commemorative tests and anniversaries—while seeking sustainable revenue streams to fund the sport’s growth and development.
In a broader sense, the tension between Test cricket’s traditional prestige and the commercial pull of franchise cricket mirrors ongoing debates across the sport. The Ashes remains a cornerstone of that conversation, with its potential to generate revenue and attention while preserving the competitive stakes that give Test cricket its lasting appeal. Greenberg’s perspective signals a pragmatic shift: keep the most meaningful formats at the vanguard, ensure investment where it matters, and let the calendar reflect both tradition and growth.
Summary: Cricket Australia’s chief executive argues for a more selective Test calendar, prioritising marquee series like the Ashes, while signaling openness to privatising parts of domestic cricket to sustain long-term viability amid a rising T20 emphasis. The approach aims to balance financial health with the sport’s historic traditions.
Commentary and context: If implemented thoughtfully, the plan could help safeguard smaller cricketing nations from financial strain while preserving the prestige and profitability of flagship series. It also aligns with broader industry trends where fans respond to scarcity and meaning in big-match fixtures. Potential challenges include maintaining player development pathways and ensuring the domestic game remains vibrant and financially viable without over-reliance on private investors. A measured, transparent process with broad stakeholder input will be essential to keep the sport’s global calendar balanced and defensible.
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