Cricket Australia (CA) is reportedly looking to break new ground by hosting a Big Bash League (BBL) match in India next season. The iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, commonly known as Chepauk, in Chennai has emerged as a preferred venue for this historic move.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by Cricket Australia to strengthen its relationship with the Indian cricket market. Reports suggest that CA is considering selling at least two of its eight BBL franchises to Indian investors, and staging a match in India is seen as a way to drum up interest and showcase the brand.
Two senior CA officials, Phil Rigby and Margot Harley, recently traveled to India to conduct a feasibility study. During their visit, they met with representatives from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). A senior TNCA official confirmed that the Australian delegation performed a “recce” of the Chennai facilities after hearing positive reviews of the stadium.
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While the prospect is exciting, it remains in the early stages. The TNCA has clarified that they cannot commit to the proposal without a direct green light from the BCCI, India’s national cricket governing body.
Additionally, any offshore game would require approval from broadcasters and other major stakeholders to ensure the timing and logistics work for all parties.
The Perth Scorchers—the BBL’s most successful team with six titles—have been identified as the most likely candidate to play in India. This is due to Perth’s favorable time zone, which aligns better with Indian broadcasting schedules, and a reported openness from Western Australian cricket officials to engage with Indian investors.
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The BBL is globally recognized as one of the premier T20 competitions. Bringing it to India would mark a massive shift in how domestic leagues operate, potentially opening the door for more international collaboration in the future.