Cricket Unfiltered

Menners and Damien Watson break down the latest fallout from the Big Bash privatisation saga, including reported player frustration and what comes next for Australian cricket’s financial model.

The episode also dives into Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, key selection debates, and whether the team is under pressure to deliver. On the men’s side, a new-look squad for Pakistan and Bangladesh raises questions about player availability, workload management, and the growing influence of franchise cricket.

Plus, a look at rising stars like Ollie Peake and J. Davies, IPL updates, and the broader direction of the game as global schedules and financial pressures reshape international cricket. 

(02:50) Privatisation fallout and Todd Greenberg’s response

(05:00) Broadcast rights, revenue concerns & future of the Big Bash

(11:45) Player pay dispute and contract tensions emerge

(12:50) Will players start skipping international cricket for leagues?

(23:16) Australia T20 World Cup squad breakdown

(33:26) Squad rotation, IPL clashes & impact on team cohesion

(36:04) Rising stars: Ollie Peake and future selections

(42:05) IPL ladder, Aussie performances & finals outlook

Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here!

We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show.

🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591

🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order!

From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear.

Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams. 

They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos.

Check them out at exactamundo.com.au

Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page

Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q

Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media:

https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered

Show twitter:

https://twitter.com/auscricketpod

Menners on twitter: 

https://twitter.com/amenners

TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered

Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: [email protected]

Email the show your cricket takes: [email protected]

Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013. 

It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cricket Unfiltered host Menners returns with a packed cricket news roundup, diving deep into the collapse of Big Bash privatisation talks, the growing divide between Cricket Australia and the states, and the huge contracts being offered to keep Australia’s top players out of full-time franchise cricket. Menners also breaks down the latest IPL storylines, including Cooper Connolly’s maiden professional century and Pat Cummins’ dominant run with the Sunrisers.

Later in the show, Pakistani cricket journalist Noorish Khan joins Menners to unpack a dramatic PSL season, including Marnus Labuschagne’s impressive leadership for the Hyderabad Kingsmen, Aaron Hardie’s match-winning final, Steve Smith’s strong form, and the growing Australian influence on Pakistan’s premier T20 competition.

(00:55) Big Bash privatisation plans officially put on hold

(04:02) Cricket Australia vs Cricket NSW tensions explained

(08:10) Why the privatisation debate is far from over

(09:03) Pat Cummins and Australia’s stars offered massive new deals

(13:32) James Hopes appointed Sydney Sixers head coach

(14:44) David Warner’s court case and Thunder captaincy doubts

(16:09) Cooper Connolly’s breakthrough IPL century and ladder update

(21:18) Noorish Khan joins to break down the PSL and Australia’s influence

Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here!

We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show.

🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591

🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order!

From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear.

Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams. 

They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos.

Check them out at exactamundo.com.au

Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page

Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q

Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media:

https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered

Show twitter:

https://twitter.com/auscricketpod

Menners on twitter: 

https://twitter.com/amenners

TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered

Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: [email protected]

Email the show your cricket takes: [email protected]

Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013. 

It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Cricket Unfiltered, Menners and Damian Watson cover a packed slate of cricket news, from the IPL and PSL to major developments in Australian domestic cricket. They break down the ongoing Big Bash privatization debate, explore player movements across state teams, and assess the form of key Australian players overseas.

There’s also discussion around Menners’ hacked X account, reflections on watching the IPL in full vs highlights, and a deep dive into standout performances—particularly Josh Hazlewood’s return and Steve Smith’s dominance in the PSL. The episode wraps with county cricket updates and a light-hearted “can’t let it go” segment.

⏱️ Timecodes

(0:05) Fiery intro and opening banter

(0:51) Show intro + IPL viewing habits discussion

(2:31) IPL Australian performances + Marcus Stoinis form

(3:00) Menners’ X (Twitter) account hack explained

(5:34) Big Bash privatization debate breakdown

(16:58) Sheffield Shield player movements & contracts

(21:00) IPL wrap – Hazlewood, Cummins, Green analysis

(29:00) PSL update – Steve Smith, Peter Siddle, finals race

(34:50) County cricket watch – Weatherald & Harris

(39:00) “Can’t Let It Go” + Cricket Et Al reference

Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here!

We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show.

🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591

🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order!

From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear.

Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams. 

They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos.

Check them out at exactamundo.com.au

Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page

Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q

Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media:

https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered

Show twitter:

https://twitter.com/auscricketpod

Menners on twitter: 

https://twitter.com/amenners

TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered

Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: [email protected]

Email the show your cricket takes: [email protected]

Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013. 

It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Menners Masterclass, we revisit one of my all-time favourite interviews — a classic conversation with Shane Watson, originally recorded in 2022.

Watson reflects on a remarkable career that spanned multiple eras of cricket, from the dominance of Australia’s golden generation through to the rise of T20 leagues and the IPL. He opens up on the challenges that shaped him — injuries, pressure, and the mental battles that impacted his consistency — while also sharing the lessons that allowed him to thrive later in his career.

A major theme throughout is mindset. Watson candidly explains how not understanding mental skills early on held him back, and how learning to manage mental energy and “get out of his own way” unlocked his best performances toward the end of his career.

Along the way, he shares stories from Ashes campaigns, World Cup wins, and the intensity of franchise cricket, as well as advice for the next generation navigating modern pressures like social media.

A thoughtful, honest, and insightful conversation — and a standout episode from the archive.

(01:20) Early career, injuries, and longevity across cricket eras(03:40) Turning point: freedom, mindset, and IPL influence(07:00) Mentorship from Shane Warne & Ricky Ponting(10:30) Family influence and early foundations(18:30) Pressure of following Australia’s golden generation(23:00) Test debut and achieving the Baggy Green dream(29:30) Mental struggles, conversion rates, and performance mindset(48:30) World Cups, IPL intensity, and elite competition insights

Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here!

We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show.

🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591

🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order!

From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear.

Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams. 

They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos.

Check them out at exactamundo.com.au

Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page

Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q

Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media:

https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered

Show twitter:

https://twitter.com/auscricketpod

Menners on twitter: 

https://twitter.com/amenners

TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered

Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: [email protected]

Email the show your cricket takes: [email protected]

Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013. 

It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of Cricket Unfiltered dives into one of the biggest issues in Australian cricket right now — the future of the Big Bash League — as Cricket NSW takes a firm stand against privatisation. The guys unpack what this means for the competition, the risks of external ownership, and whether the league can grow through a self-funded model instead.

They also cover the latest from the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, including Mitchell Starc’s recognition, debate the quirks of Wisden’s selection rules, and take a global look at Aussie performances across the IPL, PSL, and county cricket.

Plus, there’s discussion around Cameron Green’s struggles, David Warner’s off-field controversy, and what it all means for leadership and accountability in Australian cricket.

(6:22) – NSW rejects BBL privatisation: what it means

(10:00) – Risks of selling BBL clubs & fan identity concerns

(12:47) – Alternative “self-funding” model explained

(21:59) – Potential BBL expansion ideas (India/Chennai discussion)

(26:49) – Mitchell Starc named Wisden Cricketer of the Year

(44:47) – IPL update: Aussie performances & Cameron Green struggles

Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here!

We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show.

🛒 Shop now:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591

🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order!

From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear.

Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams. 

They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos.

Check them out at exactamundo.com.au

Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page

Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q

Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media:

https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered

Show twitter:

https://twitter.com/auscricketpod

Menners on twitter: 

https://twitter.com/amenners

TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered

Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: [email protected]

Email the show your cricket takes: [email protected]

Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013. 

It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices