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Cricket Australia Eyes India for Historic Big Bash League Season Opener

Cricket Australia is exploring the possibility of staging the next Big Bash League season opener in India, with senior officials having visited Chennai to assess feasibility. This move is part of a broader strategy to integrate the lucrative Indian market with the BBL, especially ahead of a potential sale of at least two franchises. The report comes after the Perth Scorchers solidified their dominance by winning a record-extending sixth BBL title in January. They defeated the Sydney Sixers in the final, with key performances from bowlers like David Payne, who was named Player of the Match.

Key Points: BBL May Host Season Opener in India, CA Explores Chennai

  • BBL opener may be in India
  • CA officials visited Chennai
  • Part of franchise sale strategy
  • Perth Scorchers won sixth title
2 min read

Cricket Australia to consider hosting next season's Big Bash League opener in India

Cricket Australia considers hosting the next Big Bash League opener in India to tap into the lucrative market, with officials visiting Chennai.

"CA's ambition is part of a strategy to intertwine cricket-crazy, lucrative Indian market with the BBL - SEN Cricket"

Melbourne, February 17

Cricket Australia is considering staging the next season's Big Bash League opener game in India, according to SEN Cricket.

CA's ambition is part of a strategy to intertwine cricket-crazy, lucrative Indian market with the BBL ahead of a near-certain sale of at least two of its eight franchises, the report said.

SEN Cricket also said that two senior Cricket Australia staff members, head of business operations Phil Rigby and head of competition development and strategy Margot Harley, recently travelled to India to explore the possibility of a city such as Chennai hosting a BBL game.

India is co-hosting the T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka, and the tournament will conclude on March 8.

The report added that other clubs are aware of CA's desire to host next season's opener in India.

Perth Scorchers again etched their supremacy in BBL by clinching the record-extending sixth title after defeating Sydney Sixers by six wickets in the grand final at the Perth Stadium on January 25.

This triumph has helped the Perth Scorchers widen the gap on the Sydney Sixers, who are the second-most successful side in the tournament's history with three titles.

Asked to bat first, the Sydney Sixers were bundled out for just 132 runs in 20 overs. Steve Smith, who was the star performer, failed to score runs. The right-handed batter made 24 off 13 deliveries, with three fours and one six.

Josh Phillippe (24 off as many deliveries, with two fours) and captain Moises Henriques (24 off 27 balls, with one four) failed to convert their starts.

For Perth Scorchers, Jhye Richardson (3/32) and David Payne (3/18) picked up three wickets each. Aaron Hardie (1/16) and Mahli Beardman (2/29) were also among the wicket takers.

In response, crucial knocks from Mitchell Marsh (44 off 43 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes), Finn Allen (36 off 22 balls, with four boundaries and one six) and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis ( 29* off 26 deliveries, with two fours and one six) helped Perth Scorchers to chase down the 133-run target in 17.3 overs.

For the Sydney Sixers, Sean Abbott (2/19), Mitchell Starc (1/33), and Jack Edwards (1/31) were among the wicket-takers. Perth Scorchers' David Payne, who picked up a three-wicket haul, was named Player of the Match.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting strategy. While it's great for globalizing the league, I hope it doesn't come at the expense of local Australian fans who look forward to the season opener at home. The BBL should remain primarily an Australian product.
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Priya S
As a Chennaiite, I would love this! Chepauk stadium would be packed. But the ticket prices need to be reasonable for the common fan, not just the corporates. We love our cricket, but we also love value for money.
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Vikram M
Clearly all about the money. "Cricket-crazy, lucrative Indian market" says it all. It's a business decision, not a sporting one. But if it gets us more high-quality cricket to watch, I'm not complaining too much.
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Rohit P
Good move. The BBL is a great tournament but needs more international buzz. An opener in India will get massive viewership. Maybe they can even get an Indian player or two for the opening match to really draw the crowds!
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Michael C
Respectfully, I think this is a bit of a gimmick. The heart of the BBL is in Australia. Instead of one-off games abroad, focus on improving the tournament's quality and consistency first. The product has been a bit uneven lately.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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