Cricket Australia is in discussions with men's head coach Andrew McDonald over a possible contract extension beyond the 2027 ODI World Cup, while the governing body continues to explore private investment in the Big Bash League (BBL).
Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive Todd Greenberg confirmed that discussions are underway regarding McDonald's future, with the coach's current contract set to expire after the next ODI World Cup, scheduled for late 2027.
McDonald has been in charge of Australia's men's team on a permanent basis since April 2022 and has overseen a successful period that includes the 2023 ODI World Cup triumph and the World Test Championship title.
Outgoing CA chair Mike Baird praised the partnership between McDonald and chief selector George Bailey, saying Australian cricket was fortunate to have both figures working together.
McDonald and Bailey have played important roles in maintaining Australia's success across formats, although the team now faces the challenge of managing a transition as several senior players approach the latter stages of their careers.
Speaking about McDonald's future, Greenberg said the coach remained highly regarded by the CA board and highlighted his achievements with the national team.
"Yes, we are talking to Andrew about his contractual status and what that means going forward. He's held in incredibly high regard by the Cricket Australia board and by all of us," Greenberg said.
He added that the board was also focused on preparing for the next phase of Australian cricket, with discussions covering how the team would operate over the next six to 24 months.
Greenberg stressed that CA wanted to ensure a smooth transition when senior players eventually retire, while maintaining the team's competitiveness.
BBL Privatisation Talks Gain Momentum
Cricket Australia's plans to attract private investment into the Big Bash League are also progressing, with the governing body expecting further decisions from state associations in the coming weeks.
Greenberg indicated that Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia were actively considering their options regarding privatisation. The sale process involving the Melbourne Renegades is continuing, while other states are weighing up potential opportunities.
"We're still working our way through that, but my guess is at the moment that certainly Victoria's second team and Tasmania are particularly weighing up what that looks like," Greenberg said.
He added that CA had also been open to discussions with Western Australia, although the final decision would rest with the relevant state associations and clubs.
According to Greenberg, the three states could make decisions over the next six to eight weeks.
The privatisation debate has generated divisions within Australian cricket. Baird announced his departure as chair after failing to secure support from his home state of New South Wales over the proposal.
At Cricket Australia's annual general meeting on Wednesday, former Test opener David Boon took over as interim chair, while former Australia batter Ed Cowan replaced Baird as the NSW representative on the board.
A decision on the permanent chair is expected in the near future. Baird indicated that he would support Boon taking the role, although the board must complete its selection process.
Boxing Day and New Year Tests Likely to Remain
Baird also expressed confidence that the traditional Melbourne Boxing Day Test and Sydney New Year Test would remain important parts of Australia's cricket calendar in the short term.
He noted that broadcasters valued the Big Bash League following the traditional Test matches, making the fixtures commercially significant for Cricket Australia.
Baird acknowledged that future generations could reconsider the schedule, but said there was no immediate reason to expect a change to the current arrangement.
Cricket Australia Records AU$81.8 Million Profit
Cricket Australia reported a net profit of AU$81.8 million for the 2025-26 season after recording losses in the previous two years.
The improved financial performance was supported by the home Ashes series and the white-ball series against India, which boosted the organisation's balance sheet.
However, Greenberg confirmed that two-day Tests in Perth and Melbourne had cost the governing body approximately AU$20 million in lost revenue.
He also warned that Cricket Australia could face significant financial losses over the next two years because of international scheduling challenges and a cyclical decline in media revenue.
Despite the anticipated difficulties, Greenberg said the financial capacity generated during the current season would help the organisation manage the coming period.
"A lot of the capacity we've been able to generate this year will hold us in good stead for the next two years," he said.
With discussions surrounding McDonald's contract, BBL privatisation and the appointment of a permanent chair continuing, Cricket Australia faces several important decisions as it looks to maintain its on-field success while strengthening its long-term financial position.
