The much awaited schedule for the Big Bash League has finally been announced. Cricket Australia announced the BBL schedule for 21 matches in December after months of anticipation Sydney Sixers are all set to face Hobart Hurricanes in the first match of the season. “the most complex fixturing task ever undertaken by the League” — and an update on the remaining matches is expected in the coming weeks. The board continues to work with the state governments and hopes that the ease in lockdown restrictions will allow them to take BBL to “more markets,” which could see Melbourne, Sydney and even Perth play hosts in January. Blundstone Arena will host the season opener between Hobart Hurricanes and defending champions Sydney Sixers.

The Renegades celebrate with the winners trophy during the Big Bash League (BBL) match final between the Melbourne Renegades and the Melbourne Stars at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Sunday, February 17, 2019. (AAP Image/Mark Dadswell)

 

Hobart Hurricanes, Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Renegades, Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers will all play their first games at Bellerive Oval in the hub at Hobart, while Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars will do so at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. This is without doubt the most complex fixturing task ever undertaken by the League and we are excited with where it has landed. It has been a difficult year for so many people around Australia and we look forward to bringing the BBL to every state should border conditions allow us to,” said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s Head of Big Bash Leagues, said. “We’re also pleased to provide certainty to our Clubs, players, broadcasters, commercial partners and governments today with confirmation of match-ups, dates and start times for the entire KFC BBL|10 campaign, and venues for matches through to the end of 2020.

 

“We are working through scenarios for the remaining 35 regular season matches and Finals series to be played in the New Year with our Clubs, broadcasters, partners and governments. An announcement on these venues will be made in the coming weeks” he said. This edition is going to be one of the most complicated schedules for all the players in the Australian squad for their upcoming home tour against India. Steve Smith, for the matter of fact even said that it seems nearly impossible for him to play the BBL this time around. It is very unlikely that the players selected for the Test series against India would participate in this edition of the BBL.

By Arvind Krishnan

Cricket writer, statistician and analyst. An unorthodox media student, marketing runs in his blood. Sports Marketer and analyst.