Cricket Victoria takes over BBL clubs

Cricket Victoria has announced a significant shift in the operations of KFC Big Bash clubs Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades.

The management of both clubs and cross-town rivals will now come under control of the state body, with their boards to be absorbed into Cricket Victoria.

The moves comes just after the two clubs competed in the final of the Big Bash League last summer, while Melbourne derbies between the two clubs are usually the highest attended games in the competition.

"This decision recognises the maturing of the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades from stand-alone, start-up clubs nearly a decade ago in a new competition, to the core activity they are for Cricket Victoria today," Cricket Victoria chairman Paul Barker said.

"The popularity of both clubs was there for all to see in February's incredible BBL final and we are determined to see that fan base continue to grow."

It means the Melbourne sides will now have a similar structure to in Sydney, where both the Sixers and Thunder are operated by Cricket NSW.

It means Eddie McGuire's time as Stars chairman is over, as is the case for Renegades chairman and former Hawthorn AFL player Jason Dunstall.

"We are immensely proud of what we have achieved at the Melbourne Stars - from the biggest BBL crowd ever at the MCG to participating in a packed all-Melbourne final," McGuire said.

"We are happy to hand back the Melbourne Stars to Cricket Victoria in the knowledge that the club and brand is in outstanding shape."