Perhaps the biggest shake-up ever seen in the Big Bash League could be around the corner, with Cricket Victoria about to merge the Melbourne Stars and the Melbourne Renegades into one state-based club while selling off one of their BBL licenses to a private party. Nick Cummins, the CEO of Cricket Victoria, was the first to reveal the plan when he announced the plan to the Junction Oval staff members earlier this week. However, the idea is yet to be approved by Cricket Australia, which is currently trying to create a new private investment model for BBL clubs. Cummins told this masthead: "There are a couple of bridges that need to be crossed before the sale goes ahead." Cricket Australia also confirmed discussions are ongoing, stating: “We are still working with states on private investment models.” Private Investment and Personnel Adjustments The two clubs, Melbourne Stars and Renegades, will be shut down as their respective brands are incorporated into the Cricket Victoria. In the meantime, CV plans to completely sell its second BBL license to some outside investors as part of its self-determination process. Such restructuring will mean letting go of the services of three workers whose contracts will end as a result of the changes, while the rest of the staff members of the Renegades will join the organization that is bigger. James Rosengarten who currently works as the general manager for the Melbourne Renegades is set to become the new manager for the combined club. As for Max Abbott who currently manages the Melbourne Stars, he will temporarily take on the position of caretaker general manager of the Renegades pending the completion of the sale of the license. In case the license is not sold in time before the next BBL season starts, the Renegades will be playing as the Melbourne Renegades for at least one more season. Also Read | ‘Dummy’ Players in IPL? Sunil Gavaskar Calls Out Franchises Player Contracts and Background Behind the Move The teams' playing squads will remain separate despite the structural changes as negotiations continue with the Australian Cricketers' Association. The two clubs boast a number of high-profile players: Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis are central to the Stars' setup, while Will Sutherland (captain of Victoria), spinners Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon, and young prospect Ollie Peake are part of the Renegades' squad. This decision follows a trip by Nick Cummins, CEO of Cricket Victoria, and Todd Greenberg, CEO of Cricket Australia, to India, during which they met with potential investors in Mumbai. The meetings were facilitated by Raine Group, which is assisting Cricket Australia in exploring BBL investment opportunities. Running both of Melbourne's BBL franchises has become problematic for Cricket Victoria since they and their independent boards were scrapped in 2019. Although the Stars boast large fan bases and have plenty of commercial backing, have never won a BBL title, whereas the Renegades, after winning the championship in 2019 (where they beat the Stars in the final) have lost plenty of money.