Melbourne, June 2 -- Melbourne's two Big Bash League (BBL) rivals, Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades, are reportedly set to merge into a single franchise in a major structural shift for Australian T20 franchise cricket.

According to Sen Cricket, Cricket Victoria staff were briefed on Tuesday afternoon about plans to merge Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades into a single "super" Victorian franchise in a significant overhaul of the Big Bash League structure.

While the new team will not carry the name Victoria due to BBL regulations set by Cricket Australia, it is expected to be branded simply as "Melbourne" and will play its home games at the MCG, likely in navy blue colours. The nickname for the side is still being finalised....