Cricket NSW blasts BBL privatisation plan, Bangladesh reach Asia Cup semis — cricket digest 09 Sep 2026

· Cricombo Editorial

Cricket NSW warns BBL privatisation 'threatens' investment in the game as CA presses on

Cricket NSW has criticised Cricket Australia’s decision to proceed with bringing private investment into the BBL and WBBL, saying the move “threatens” the sport’s ability to invest and could have long-term impacts across all levels. NSW, which runs Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, said CA was pushing the process forward without alignment across Australian cricket and raised concerns about the process and the risks in the proposal.

CA chief executive Todd Greenberg responded by saying he was confident private investment would deliver long-term benefits, with a significant proportion of proceeds intended for a future fund to support grassroots cricket, elite pathways and high performance. NSW also pointed to conditions agreed by state chairs in June that it says have not been met, including agreement with the Australian Cricketers’ Association, which has reiterated that any privatisation would require a new player payment model.

Bangladesh squeeze past UAE to reach Women’s Asia Cup semi-finals; Pakistan set up Sri Lanka clash

Bangladesh sealed a semi-final place in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup with a 34-run win over UAE in Dubai. After slipping to 55 for 6, Sharmin Akhter’s 38 lifted them to 103 for 7, before the bowlers—led by Rabeya Khan’s 3 for 14 and Marufa Akter’s 2 for 9—restricted UAE to 69 for 9.

Pakistan also confirmed their spot from Group A after a 72-run win over Hong Kong, and will meet Sri Lanka in Friday’s second semi-final. The other semi-final, on Thursday, will be India v Bangladesh.

Namibia choose to bowl as South Africa hand ODI debuts to Hermann, Esterhuizen and Jansen

Namibia won the toss and put South Africa in for the sides’ first ODI meeting, looking to make use of early moisture and bounce. South Africa named three debutants: openers Jordan Hermann and Connor Esterhuizen, plus allrounder Duan Jansen, in a markedly reshaped batting line-up led by stand-in captain Bjorn Fortuin.

Namibia tweaked their top order by moving Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp—standouts in the recent T20I tri-series—to Nos. 3 and 4, with Malan Kruger and Alexander Busing-Volschenk opening. Their attack features Ruben Trumpelmann with young quicks Jack Brassell and Max Heingo, plus spin options including Bernard Scholtz, Jan Balt and captain Gerhard Erasmus.

Zampa signs two-year Hurricanes deal and says overseas players still have the edge in BBL pay

Adam Zampa has signed a two-year contract with Hobart Hurricanes, becoming the fifth BBL club of his career, and expects to be available for the full season as an Australia white-ball specialist. He said there was never much doubt he would play in the BBL, but felt the revamped contracting landscape has still left overseas players “getting the good end of the deal”.

With the overseas draft removed and clubs given more flexibility under the salary cap, Zampa noted that big-name Australian players are often tied to existing contracts, while overseas signings can still command major deals. He also said he hopes any new private money entering the league can help balance the situation for local players.

In brief

  • Pakistan batter Gull Feroza was fined 10% of her match fee and given one demerit point for dissent after an lbw decision against Hong Kong in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup, her second offence in 24 months.
  • Antigua and Barbuda Falcons ended Guyana Amazon Warriors’ unbeaten run in the CPL with a 65-run win, driven by Shadab Khan and Alzarri Joseph, to move top of the table on 13 points.
  • Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mohammad Haris are set to join Guyana Amazon Warriors from September 9 as replacements for Mohammad Nabi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who leave after the September 8 game v Antigua and Barbuda Falcons to link up with Afghanistan ahead of their T20Is in India.
  • St Lucia Kings opener Kamil Pooran has been making a major impact in the CPL powerplay, emerging as a new top-order weapon for the franchise.
  • Luke Procter’s 5 for 63 helped Northamptonshire bowl Worcestershire out for 200 on day one in County Championship Division Two, before Northants reached 16 without loss.
  • Ben Raine’s unbeaten 58 steadied Durham after Seb Morgan took 4 for 78, with Middlesex closing day one on 70 for 2 in Division Two.
  • Warwickshire took control in Cardiff after bowling Glamorgan out for 69, led by Ethan Bamber’s 5 for 28, then reached 154 for 3 to lead by 85.
  • Josh Thomas hit 100 as Division One leaders Somerset made 354 for 9 against Leicestershire on the opening day.
  • Lancashire’s George Balderson (3 for 35) and James Anderson (2 for 33) left Gloucestershire 164 for 6 at stumps at Old Trafford after rain reduced play in Division Two.
  • Martin Andersson’s 129 not out lifted Derbyshire to 300 against Kent in Division Two after Hasan Mahmud struck with the first two balls of the match.
  • Essex hit back at Headingley as Yorkshire slipped from a strong start to 241 for 6, despite an opening stand featuring Adam Lyth and William Luxton.
  • Joe Clarke’s fourth century of the season helped Nottinghamshire recover to 377 against Hampshire after Kyle Abbott took 4 for 82, with Liam Patterson-White adding a rapid 92.
  • Middlesex are seeking legal advice after an administrative error ruled captain Leus du Plooy out for the rest of the season, including next week’s Metro Bank One-Day Final.
  • Saim Ayub is in contention for a Test return as Pakistan weigh up their XI for the England tour, with discussions also covering pace options and the balance of spin.
  • Sarah Taylor said women coaches should be judged on merit, as she discussed her work as England men’s fielding coach and how her experiences shape her approach.

Sources: ESPNcricinfo