Discussions are underway to bring Indian Premier League (IPL) matches to Australia as part of a broader plan to strengthen sporting ties between the two countries. According to a report in The Age, cricket officials and government representatives are exploring the possibility of regular cross-border domestic fixtures.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. As part of the initiative, Melbourne Renegades will face Perth Scorchers in the opening match of the 2026-27 BBL season at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on December 12, 2026.
IPL matches can be played in Australia in future
Cricket Australia, the BCCI and government officials from both countries have discussed strengthening cricket ties for several years. While the immediate focus is on the BBL opener in Chennai, the long-term plan includes inviting the BCCI to organize future IPL matches in Australia.
The report adds that both the boards want to build a stronger cricket partnership beyond bilateral tours and broadcasting deals and the IPL in Australia could be a major step towards achieving this. Officials hope that regular domestic matches between the two countries will create a lasting relationship rather than relying solely on the international calendar.
Broadcasting experts also believe that the move could increase the popularity of BBL in India and IPL in Australia. The strong interest in both leagues could also revive the Champions League T20, which was discontinued after struggling to attract fans despite launching in 2008. Notably, The Age had reported this IPL move to Australia.
Australian and Indian leaders to promote BBL match
Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Indian PM Narendra Modi are scheduled to meet AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon and BBL chief Alistair Dobson on Friday. CA chief executive Todd Greenberg and president Mike Baird are not part of the discussion as they are attending the ICC annual conference in Edinburgh.
According to reports, the Chennai match will be the main event of the wider ‘G’Day Namaste’ initiative. The program will also include business conferences, business forums and arts and film events aimed at strengthening commercial and cultural ties between Australia and India.
Melbourne Renegades were selected for the match as they had home matches available after their agreement at Marvel Stadium expired. The Perth Scorchers were selected as the opposition partly due to the short traveling distance from Western Australia, allowing both teams ample recovery time.
AFL unveils India engagement plan alongside cricket initiatives
Along with cricket plans, the Australian Football League (AFL) will unveil a long-term strategy to strengthen ties with the Indian community. The scheme aims to increase participation in Australian rules football in India and improve engagement with the growing Indian community across Australia.
A leaders’ forum of business executives, community representatives and athletes was held ahead of the meeting between AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon and Narendra Modi. The event included North Melbourne VFLW player Zoe Savariyan, who became the first player of Indian heritage to play in the AFLW in 2022.
Australia’s High Commissioner to India Philip Green has also highlighted the rapid growth of relations between the two countries. Speaking earlier this year he said:
“When I reflect on the trajectory of Australia-India relations, what strikes me most is the rapid pace of change. In Australia’s history, we have never seen such a rapid rise in a major power relationship.”
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