In an exciting announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Indian counterpart, the inaugural match of the upcoming Australian Men’s Big Bash League (BBL) is set to be played in India.
Months of speculation came to an end as the Melbourne Renegades’ much-anticipated face-off against the Perth Scorchers was officially confirmed to take place during a special ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visiting Australia for a three-day tour, attended the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit. His visit marked the announcement, underpinning the growing relationship between the two nations.
This historic match, scheduled for December 12, will be held at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. It marks the first occasion that the BBL steps outside of Australia and also represents the debut hosting of a foreign cricket league match in India.
Adding to the festivities, the event will also serve as the focal point for a week-long celebration titled “G’Day Namaste,” which will be conducted throughout India in December.
The festival will feature Australian cultural, business and sports events designed to strengthen trade and other forms of economic engagement with India.
“Australia and India are united by our love and passion for sport,” Albanese said.
“I am excited to expand cooperation with India on sport, which not only brings joy to Australians but boosts trade, tourism and investment.”
Sports Minister Anika Wells also talked up the potential for sports to build bridges between the two nations.
“The Australian sports ecosystem is actively sharing knowledge and expertise with our Indian counterparts, including through the Australian Sports Commission and our national sporting bodies,” Wells said.
“We are excited to further deepen that engagement as we count down to the Amdavad 2030 Commonwealth Games and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
A ‘one-year view’
The BBL game in Chennai will start in the afternoon in India, beamed back by the Seven Network and Fox Cricket following the conclusion of day four of the Test between Australia and New Zealand at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Both TV networks are expected to send over commentary crews to cover the match.
However, the game is not necessarily the first step in a permanent foothold for the BBL in India, league boss Alistair Dobson said.
“We’ve certainly been taking a one-year view on this for now,” Dobson said.
“Our focus is making sure this is a great event that’s a true reflection of the BBL.
“We want people in Australia watching on the telly to see that looking like a BBL game, but we also want people in Chennai and throughout India to get the unique BBL experience.”
Both the Renegades, who will sacrifice one of their five home games, and the Scorchers will spend a significant period in India in the build-up to the match.
The rest of the tournament won’t fully get underway until 15 December, with both teams to play their second matches later in the week.
While there is no reserve day in case of wet weather, BBL officials are weighing up whether to extend the hours of play to ensure there is a full game.
The full BBL 2026-2027 fixture will be released next week.
With the Renegades in caretaker mode and in transition for the upcoming season following Cricket Victoria’s controversial decision to sell the franchise, the match presents an opportunity to put on a show for potential buyers.
“The opportunity for any of our clubs and players to be in India and playing a BBL game creates such value for their club, whether it’s now or in the future,” Dobson said.
“The Renegades are a team that have shown an interest in this event from day one, with the opportunity to take a home game in a different market.
“It was an opportunity for them that was an obvious fit.”