Robert Craddock

It can work, Gerard.

That is one thing I do believe in.

I mean, it works in rugby league.

You know, some of the teams are privately owned.

You've got News Corp having a giant share in the Broncos.

You've got the Penn family owning Manly.

And it's...

You know, I think when a team steps out, I don't think the fans really care that much.

It's the same with stadiums, you know, Marvel Stadium or around the place.

If a private owner's got an investment, do you think a fan sitting in the stand really cares?

What does matter is the branding and the naming.

You know, if you're calling something after an Indian franchise, will that alienate some?

I think it will because it's not Australian.

So it is a very complex issue, but it's the argument Australian cricket had to have.

It was always going to end up down this way.

I just remember when the competition started, they sort of said, should we go for private ownership?

No, let's just see if we can hang on.

But the trouble is,

Australia did not get a great television rights deal.

It has so many bills to pay in cricket, Cricket Australia.