Cricket Australia (CA) is considering hosting the opening match of the next season of the Big Bash League (BBL) in India instead of Australia. The Australian Cricket Board is looking to strengthen ties with the Indian market, especially as at least two of the league’s eight franchises are expected to be sold soon.
CA currently owns all eight BBL teams, but the franchises operate under long-term licensing agreements with state associations. If the privatization goes ahead with state approval, CA plans to sell a 49 per cent stake in each team and give the equity to the states, which would provide a major financial boost to Australian cricket.
Cricket Australia is exploring the possibility of hosting Big Bash League (BBL) matches in India.
According to SEN Cricket, Cricket Australia is exploring the possibility of hosting a Big Bash League match in India. Two senior CA officials recently traveled to Chennai to assess whether regular season BBL games could be staged there, with logistics and feasibility discussed.
Phil Rigby, CA’s head of business operations, and Margot Harley, who oversees competition development and strategy, visited as negotiations intensified.
Till now no BBL franchise has been formally informed. However, due to time-zone considerations and WACA officials’ interest in potential Indian investment, the Perth Scorchers are seen as a strong option.
BBL opener in India still faces approval hurdles
Many Big Bash League clubs are already aware that Cricket Australia wants to host the opening match of the season in India. However, the plan remains uncertain, as it will require approval from multiple stakeholders, including broadcasters and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Senior officials believe holding a BBL match every year in Chennai could help increase competition, similar to how rugby league expanded by moving games to Las Vegas.
At the same time, Cricket Australia is also reconsidering the idea of ​​Christmas Day cricket. Although it has been discussed for years, it has never been implemented in the tournament’s 15 seasons. Current agreements now allow derby matches to be played on the night of 25 December.
Cricket Australia is pushing for a Christmas Night Big Bash match
Cricket Australia still wants to organize the Big Bash match on Christmas night and has not given up on the idea. While derby games are usually reserved for special dates, officials are keen to hold it next summer.
Attention shifted to Melbourne, with the soon-to-be-flooded St Kilda Cricket Ground (Junction Oval) now seen as a suitable venue. The capacity of the ground is less than 10,000 spectators, but broadcasters believe the match will be a strong televised show.
Cricket Australia is prepared to offer incentives to players, including additional match payments or private flights, to encourage participation. The Melbourne Renegades are expected to host the game, with the Hobart Hurricanes having been discussed as a possible opponent. Any interstate Christmas night events will still require player approval.
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