Cricket Australia is reportedly considering hosting the Big Bash League season opener in India, with Chennai emerging as the preferred venue, as two senior CA officials have already travelled to India to explore the possibility of staging the historic match on Indian soil, a move that would require BCCI approval and could reshape the future of franchise cricket partnerships between the two nations.
According to SEN Cricket, Cricket Australia’s Head of Business Operations, Phil Rigby, and Head of Competition Development and Strategy, Margot Harley, have already visited India to assess the plan’s feasibility.
The proposal aims to capitalise on BBL’s enormous viewership in India and tap into the world’s most lucrative cricket market.
Perth Scorchers are reportedly the most viable franchise option for this venture due to their time zone alignment with India, making broadcast scheduling significantly more convenient.
However, CA has yet to officially inform BBL franchises of the plan, and multiple stakeholder approvals remain required before any announcement.
BCCI Approval, IPL Investment And The Road Ahead For BBL’s India Dream
The biggest hurdle remains securing an agreement with the BCCI, which holds ultimate authority over cricket operations in India. While BCCI approval alone is insufficient, all responsible stakeholders must collectively agree before the plan moves forward.
The complexity is further underlined by BCCI’s existing policy that prevents Indian players from participating in foreign franchise leagues outside the IPL.
The proposal comes amid growing interest among IPL franchise owners in acquiring stakes in BBL teams, with Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades reportedly attracting IPL investors’ attention.
CA has been actively pursuing international investment, mirroring The Hundred’s model, where several IPL franchises already hold ownership stakes.
Hosting just one game in a 44-match season may seem modest, but cricket analysts believe it could open unprecedented commercial opportunities for both Cricket Australia and the BCCI, potentially laying the foundation for a deeper strategic partnership between the two cricket powerhouses.
