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he future of cricket in Australia is set to change forever with a fresh approach to the game thanks to the Australian Premier League (APL), which is set to be introduced in 2021.

Backed by high profile owners including Australian cricket legend Ian Healy AO, former UK First Class cricketer and current professional commentator Mark Nicholas, healthcare entrepreneurs and co-founders of Icon Cancer Group, Epic Pharmacy Group and the Epic Good Foundation Stuart Giles and Cathie Reid AM, co-founders of the Australian Cricket Institute Joel Hamilton and Nick Fitzpatrick, and founder of South Africa’s National Premier League Ziyaad Desai, and Francois Bruyns, the competition is set to re-inspire the way cricket in Australia is run.

The new format will run as an IPL (Indian Premier League) style competition for amateur players, comparable to South Africa’s National Premier League which is an 11-year-old competition with three successful leagues, 25 franchises, over 2,000 players and high-profile franchise owners including Gary Kirsten, JP Duminy, Vernon Philander, Ashwell Prince and Paul Adams. 

The Brisbane Premier League (BPL) will be the first APL league to launch in the inaugural 2021 season in what will be a game-changing development of the sport.

The five-week season will see eight privately owned franchises select their teams at an auction night for seniors and draft day for juniors.

By revitalising and strengthening amateur cricket, male and female players will be able to experience what it’s like to play at a professional level.

“Children thrive from inspiration and it comes to them in many ways,” Mark Nicholas said.

“Australian cricket has a long and storied history but, to today’s generation, it’s the heroes of the moment and the version of the game that best suits their lives which matters most.

“T20 cricket has modernised cricket’s appeal and the IPL has given it a previously unimagined profile and engagement,” he said.

The BPL is a franchise driven T20 cricket tournament for juniors (under 12’s through to under 19’s) and senior cricketers.

It will create new pathways for players to showcase their talent in hopes of boosting the standard of cricket in Australia and pathways for state-level cricket. 

Former Australian and Queensland legend, Ian Healy AO, said this competition will provide players with some great opportunities at every level.

“Many cricketers of all ages want to play more each season!” Healy said.

“The Australian Premier League has created just that, for those who nominate and are drafted.

“New clubs, privately owned, hosting U12’s right through to Opens, accompanying existing cricketing structures, will definitely excite plenty.

“Brisbane is delighted to be the first market of interest in Australia,” he said.

Games will be live streamed ensuring amateur cricket commands the attention it deserves and reaches the widest possible audience.

The purpose of this quality competition is to allow future generations to shape the cricketing landscape through their own experiences and enjoyment.

The APL is inviting people to become a part of shaping the future of cricket giving the opportunity to become a franchise owner for the new competition.

Franchise owners will be able to build their teams the way they like, along with ground floor opportunities and a simple revenue model for a return on investment and long-term potential.

Multiple streams of revenue for a return on the investment can also be focused in with sponsorships, coaching clinics, clothing, merchandise sales and other events.

“Cricket and sport generally is an incredible enabler in our communities,” Stuart Giles said.

“Cathie and I are very excited to be involved in launching the Australian Premier League as we believe it is a game changer for cricket in Australia.

“We are looking forward to bringing whatever expertise and experience we can to the table to help the APL become an integral part of the Australian cricket landscape,” he said.