The Big Bash League (BBL) was introduced more than a decade ago, but it has not yet gotten that recognition and made the fans crazy, resulting in the calls for evolution continuing to grow louder. Now, Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell have shared contrasting views on what could improve Australia’s T20 competition and attract fans across the world.
The former Australian skipper suggested a major shake-up in the Big Bash League, calling for a full-player auction similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL) to inject excitement, competitiveness, and bring transparency. He believes that a full-player auction could revolutionize the BBL.
Aaron Finch calls for auction in BBL, Glenn Maxwell defends team identity
Currently, the Big Bash League uses a draft for overseas players and offers teams a chance to pre-sign one before the event, with a newly introduced trade window adding some spice. However, Finch proposed the idea to allow the teams to retain at least four key players like the IPL, while the rest, including domestic stars, should also go under the hammer. Finch believes that this would create a spectacle that could compete with the glamour of the IPL.
Read Also: Mitchell Starc drops retirement bombshell
Aaron Finch said on ESPN’s ‘Around The Wicket’ show: “I’d like to see an auction come in. Each team potentially has the ability to retain maybe four of their players and then you say everybody else in the country, you’re into an auction. I think that that would create a great spectacle. We see it in the IPL, it’s brilliant, creates evenness across the board, I think.
What it does give you as well is it gives you what the players are worth. So, at times, depending on what your team needs, you might have to overpay for someone. But if it’s an auction, that’s generally what the price of a player is.”
But Glenn Maxwell was not convinced, as he felt an auction might dissolve the identity of the teams by scattering home players across different franchises. He emphasized the importance of retaining local talent to maintain a strong connection between teams and their loyal fan base.
Glenn Maxwell said on the same show, “You’ve still got to have a way to keep your homegrown players in your home state, [to] still have that relevance.”
Glenn Maxwell criticizes Power Surge rule, calls for its removal, Aaron Finch backs the rule
The Australian all-rounder also had another big issue with the BBL format—the power surge. This two-over fielding restriction rule allows batting teams to capitalize after the 10th over. While fans and broadcasters love the thrilling moments it creates, Maxwell wants the authorities to remove this rule as it disrupts the art of middle-order batting and doesn’t match international standards.
Maxwell further stated, “I’d get rid of the power surge. “I think unless the power surge was introduced in international cricket, I think it’s sort of probably lost its relevance. As a player, I think it probably misrepresents middle-order batting.”
Read Also: Nathan Lyon openly admits ‘Australia are not a great team’
However, Finch admitted that he once felt the same when he was a player but now sees the entertainment value the power surge brings as a fan and broadcaster. The former opener feels this rule keeps games alive, offering hope even in seemingly hopeless chases in the BBL.
Watch Finch-Maxwell battle here over the BBL:
What would you change about the Big Bash? @Neroli_Meadows asked that very question to @Gmaxi_32 and @AaronFinch5 on this week’s edition of the Powerplay.
Catch all your Around the Wicket action right here on ESPN! 📺 pic.twitter.com/reigWur2H5
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) February 2, 2025
