Big Bash League to open 2026-27 season in India

The opening match of the next Australian Big Bash League season will be played in India, marking the first time the domestic T20 competition has staged a game outside Australia. The historic fixture was confirmed on Friday, July 10, 2026, during an event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground led by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is visiting Australia for a leaders' summit.

The Melbourne Renegades will host the Perth Scorchers at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on December 12, 2026, to open the 2026-27 BBL season. This will also be the first time India has hosted a match from a foreign cricket league. The game is scheduled to begin in the Indian afternoon and will be broadcast in Australia on the Seven Network and Fox Cricket following the conclusion of day four of a Test match between Australia and New Zealand in Perth. Both broadcasters are expected to send commentary teams to Chennai for the coverage.

Officials emphasized that the event is currently viewed as a one-year initiative rather than a permanent expansion. Big Bash League boss Alistair Dobson stated the focus is on delivering a single, spectacular event that...