Cricket in the ACT deserves more. Photo: Jennifer Andrew.
People with intimate knowledge of the Canberra Comets’ expulsion from the Mercantile Mutual Cup in 2000 will tell you that it was all about rival states and territories protecting their patch.
They saw Canberra as being aspirational, with the Mercantile Mutual Cup representing the start, followed by inclusion in the Sheffield Shield as the next step.
But the tipping point was a rumour that the ACT was eyeing test matches and other international cricket.
In the end, the ACT was blindsided as a number of these rivals voted to send the Comets to ‘Coventry’ and Canberra’s brief foray in the domestic one-day series was over.
These rival states and territories then scrambled for the Canberra talent suddenly left without a team; ironic, really, given one of the excuses for the Comets’ demise was the lack of playing strength.
Twenty-six years later, the roadblocks to Canberra’s aspirations have reappeared as the city expresses interest in securing a Big Bash franchise, if Cricket Australia proceeds with plans for the privatisation of teams and expansion of the competition.
ACT Cricket Board chair and Canberra Data Centre founder Greg Boorer. Photo: Australian Investment Council.
Canberra businessman Greg Boorer, in his role as chair of Cricket ACT, has said he wants a Big Bash licence for Canberra.
This appears to have mobilised opposition amidst fears that Boorer is looking to buy the Sydney Thunder franchise and relocate the team from Sydney’s Western Suburbs to Canberra.
According to a report in News Corp publications, stipulations may be put in place for any sale of the Thunder to prevent the team from being relocated.
Another possible hurdle to Canberra’s inclusion comes from further afield. There’s talk that New Zealand is the preferred option for an expansion team.
The reasons are that a New Zealand franchise would be attractive to broadcasters, presenting an additional time slot for games.
The obstacles for a Canberra team continue to emerge as vested interests overshadow any potential benefits.
