- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,151,454
- Reaction score
- 59
You must be registered for see images attach
BBL 16 to be played in India: Which Indian venue will host the Big Bash League opener? originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- BBL 16 opener set to be hosted in India.
- BBL received green signal from the BCCI.
- BBL 16 opener to be held at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Big Bash League season 16 opener to be played in India
In February 2026, SEN Cricket reported that two Cricket Australia staff members, head of business operations Phil Rigby and head of competition development and strategy Margot Harley, visited India to hold meetings and check the feasibility of holding a BBL 16 match in Chennai.
The report further added that the BBL was planning for expansion and wanted to add two more franchises, with Indian owners.
The report added that, "A deal is far from complete, given approval would need to be granted from various stakeholders, including broadcasters and the BCCI. As Cricket Australia leans into the Indian market, there is a view among key figures that an annual game in Chennai could boost the sport in the same way rugby league has ventured to Las Vegas in recent times."
MORE: Most wickets as captain in IPL history: Cummins beats Pandya
BCCI agrees to host BBL 16 match in Chennai
According to a report from the Indian Express on May 18, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has reportedly reached an agreement with Cricket Australia and the BBL 16 season opener will accordingly be held on Indian soil.
As of now, it has been agreed that the iconic M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, famously known as the Chepauk, is all set to host the BBl 16 opener. The Chepauk is also the home ground of five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings.
The start date of BBL has to be decided and is expected to be announced later this year. A BBL season typically starts in the final week of December and runs until the end of January.
MORE: India squad for Afghanistan Test and ODI series 2026: Full team lists
The Cricket News Opinion: Cricket Australia eyeing massive commercial move
India and the South Asian region are the hotspots of the cricket business.
With BBL making an entry into India, the competition is likely to see a surge in viewership. Advertisement revenue will follow, and the CA coffers will swell.
To keep up to date with all the latest cricket news and share your opinion on the biggest topics visit our Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.
Continue reading...
