Warne flays CA’s decision to expand BBL

MUMBAI: In the backdrop of Cricket Australia’s decision to expand the Big Bash League next season, Shane Warne, the Australian legend, urged the board to trim down its “greed” and work out a way that would be agreeable for all parties.

The BBL was expanded from 35 to 43 games in the previous edition (2017/18), where eight teams played 10 round-robin games before the knockout matches. Next season, it would be based on an IPL-esque home and away format, where each of the eight franchises will take on the other teams twice in the competition. This will result in the league featuring 59 matches, including the knockouts.

He further added by saying, “Ps And hopefully greed would then be thrown out the door too! For example - it’s ridiculous that the BBL will have a lot more games next season & beyond - It’s a great comp & less is more should be the attitude - not let’s put more games on for $$ - diluting a wonderful product.” Warne wasn’t alone in expressing his displeasure. He found company in Rodney Hogg, the former Australian pacer, who also slammed the expansion move.