Cricket Australia is exploring a bold idea. It is considering staging the opening match of the next Big Bash League season in India. If it happens, it will be a historic first for the tournament.
According to SEN Cricket, two senior Cricket Australia officials Phil Rigby and Margot Harley recently travelled to Chennai. They held discussions about the possibility of hosting the BBL opener in the Tamil Nadu capital. They also studied the logistical challenges of conducting a match outside Australia.
The move comes at a time when two of the eight BBL franchises are close to being sold. Cricket Australia is keen to tap into the Indian market. At present, the Indian Premier League is the only major global T20 league played annually in India.
One report suggests that Perth Scorchers could feature in the proposed Chennai opener. The time zone difference works in their favour. The West Australian Cricket Association is also said to be open to proposals from leading Indian businessmen.
However, the plan is still at an early stage. Several approvals are required. Cricket Australia must receive clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, broadcasters and other key stakeholders. Without those approvals, the deal cannot move forward.
There is a belief within Cricket Australia that playing one BBL game annually in Chennai could expand the league’s global footprint. Officials see it as a strategic push into a massive cricket market.
The Big Bash League is usually played in the December January window. The 2025/26 season began on December 14 last year. Whether the BCCI agrees to the proposal remains to be seen.
