The Sydney Sixers can announce that they are to be granted a special Urban Expense Subsidy after a series of post T20 Big Bash League reviews.

The club, based in the most expensive area of Sydney, also Australia’s most expensive city, will be granted the ‘cost of living allowance’ to ensure they can operate on a fair basis with the other seven BBL franchises.

After a review of the club’s financials by senior Cricket executives, it found that the cost of accommodating interstate and international players, acquiring partners and stakeholders, and the general running of the business was impacted by the high cost of residing in the suburbs surrounding the SCG.

Sydney is considered the 12th most expensive city in the world, topped only by the likes of cities in Norway and Switzerland. The median house prices in this area sit at $1.53M while in Greater Sydney they are $708,000.

“After a long review of operating costs over the past four seasons, the Sixers are delighted to have this subsidy allowing us to compete fairly with the other BBL clubs and ensure we are able to keep locally produced talent,” said Sydney Sixers General Manager Dominic Remond.

“Sydney is an expensive place to live, especially for our players and staff based predominantly in these suburbs. This will ensure they can continue to live in these areas and enjoy the lifestyle consistent with the best of Sydney. Things like stand up paddle-boarding aren’t cheap.”

The allowance will come into effect for the BBL05 season and beyond.