​The opening fixture of the upcoming Big Bash League season will be held in India on December 12. The match between the Melbourne Renegades and the defending champions Perth Scorchers will take place in Chennai, marking Australia’s Twenty20 competition as the first foreign franchise league to play in India. “I am excited to broaden our cooperation with India in sport, which not only brings joy to Australians but also boosts trade, tourism, and investment,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on the final day of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia. Australian players are in high demand in the Indian Premier League, and organizers of the BBL, which began in the 2011-12 season, are eager to tap into cricket’s most lucrative market.
Cricket Australia reported a net deficit of A$11.3 million (£5.8 million) for the 2024-25 period, despite hosting the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Test series against India. The governing body hopes to bring private investment into the league to strengthen its finances and heighten competitiveness in T20 cricket. Critics warn that such steps could lead the BBL to cede control to IPL franchises, whose owners already own franchises in England, South Africa, the United States, the West Indies, and the United Arab Emirates. “Our sport has a deeply authentic connection in India,” said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s BBL general manager, in a statement. “We’re incredibly excited by the opportunity, and we anticipate that this match will become the most-watched game in Australian domestic league history across any sport.”