Latest news with #BigBashLeagues
ABC News
30-07-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Cricket Australia considering private ownership and expansion of its Big Bash leagues after report
Cricket Australia (CA) is open to the introduction of private ownership and expansion in its Big Bash Leagues in the coming years as it looks to expand the successful competitions. The CA board commissioned the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to provide recommendations for the next phase in both the BBL and the WBBL, with the report including four suggestions. The report suggests an "optimised schedule" that would allow the BBL to attract top international players from around the world while also enhancing the availability of Australia's international stars. This would come in the form of a later start to the season and a higher salary cap. CA has also been recommended to consider "alternative forms of investment and ownership", with private ownership included in this. Other recommendations include the introduction of different operating models and administrative structures and the potential for league expansion. No decisions have been made yet on the potential implementation of the recommendations coming out of the BCG report. "We will work closely with the states and territories, the Big Bash clubs, the players and our broadcast and commercial partners to consider the recommendations on how this value can be unlocked," CA chair Mike Baird said in a statement. "It is very important to understand that no decisions have yet been made, and that any action taken will be for the benefit of the BBL, WBBL, fans, and Australian cricket more broadly. "That would include providing strong benefits across the game, including investment in participation initiatives and player development." CA CEO Todd Greenberg said the T20 format had boosted the game globally, attracting new audiences and increasing participation. "We need to ensure that the Big Bash remains among the world's top sporting competitions," Greenberg said. "We will now undertake an exploratory process of the recommendations in this report to ensure any action we take achieves this potential and is in the best interests of Australian Cricket and cricket fans." The next season of the WBBL will commence on November 9 and end on December 13. It will then be followed by the BLL, which runs from December 14 to January 25 in 2026.
India Gazette
11-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Women's Big Bash League 11 schedule announced; Melbourne Renegades, Brisbane Heat to play opening fixture
New Delhi [India], July 11 (ANI): Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat are set to kick off the Women Big Bash League (WBBL) 11 season with a rematch of last year's final, as the tournament gets underway with a blockbuster triple header across Brisbane and Perth, according to Cricket Australia website. Cricket Australia on Friday unveiled the 43-game, 35-day schedule for WBBL|11, which is set to begin from November 9 and culminate with the final scheduled on December 13. The season is starting a fortnight later than usual this summer due to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India later this year, which culminates on November 2. Last season's runners-up, Brisbane, will be out for revenge when they host the reigning champions at Allan Border Field on the opening day of the tournament. A showdown between fellow WBBL|10 finalists Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder will follow at the same venue, before the action will head west where the Scorchers will host Sydney Sixers at the redeveloped WACA Ground to cap off the day one triple-header. Melbourne Stars will then host the Adelaide Strikers the following day at the CitiPower Centre, as all eight clubs begin their seasons in the opening two days. There will be no change to the structure of the finals series, which differs from the BBL. The team that finishes on top of the table at the end of the regular season will still host the final on Saturday, December 13. The sides finishing third and fourth will meet in the Knockout on December 9, to be hosted by the third-ranked side. The winner of that game will then travel to play the second-ranked qualifier in The Challenger on December 11 for a spot in the final. 'We're delighted with this action-packed schedule, which starts with a blockbuster triple-header and features the marquee matches our fans have come to love,' Cricket Australia's General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson, said. 'With the WBBL season ending as the BBL starts, the Big Bash Leagues are cemented as the heartbeat of summer, with cricket to feature almost every night from November 9 through until Sunday, January 25,' Dobson added. (ANI)
Express Tribune
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
'Rizwan, Shaheen add to BBL's reputation'
Both Shaheen and Rizwan were instrumental against South Africa despite Pakistan's defeat in first T20I. Photo: AFP Alistair Dobson, General Manager of the Big Bash League (BBL) at Cricket Australia, has lauded Pakistani players like former captain Shaheen Afridi and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, who were recently included in the overseas players' draft list for BBL Season 15. In an official statement, Dobson expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament, which features several international cricket stars. "Having household names such as Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Heather Knight and Sophie Ecclestone nominate demonstrates the continuing appeal of the Big Bash Leagues to some of the world's best players," Alistair said. "We are very excited by the nominations for the Big Bash Leagues drafts including some global superstars who will add enormous intrigue as the clubs compete for the best available talent," he added. Dobson also addressed the decision to reschedule the draft to an earlier date, highlighting the strategic advantages this brings for teams and fans alike. "Bringing the draft forward will provide more certainty for the clubs as they build their lists and give fans an early insight into the stars who will wear their team's colours," he said. He further acknowledged the support of broadcasting partners Seven Network and Fox Sports, who will air the draft across multiple platforms to keep Big Bash fans engaged and entertained. "We're grateful to our partners Seven and Fox Sports who will ensure the draft is broadcast across multiple platforms keeping Big Bash fans engaged and entertained," he stated. Looking ahead, Dobson expressed excitement about the upcoming BBL season, hinting at more announcements soon. "We will have more exciting announcements in the weeks ahead as we reveal the full list of nominations and more pre-signed international players who will help light up the Big Bash Leagues this summer," he concluded.
