BBL and WBBL target Indian players in an attempt to skyrocket audience engagement

The Big Bash League and the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) are looking to sign more Indian players for the upcoming season in an attempt to increase their viewership. India is believed to be a key market for the cricketing world and it is the same case here as well.

Earlier, some big names in Indian cricket like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, and Poonam Yadav have played in the WBBL. Only two players of Indian origin have participated in the BBL so far, Unmukt Chand, and Nikhil Chaudhary.

It is to be noted that Indian men's cricketers are not allowed to play in any T20 league in the world or The Hundred tournament unless they are retired from international cricket. However, the rule is not the same with Indian women's cricketers.

Also read: Shakib Al Hasan to quit Test cricket after Pakistan series? Bangladesh chief selector provides update on all-rounder's future

In an attempt to increase viewership, WBBL looking to sign more Indian players

The organizers of the Big Bash League and the Women's Big Bash League believe that adding more Indian flavor to their teams will help increase the viewership of the tournament. Earlier, it has often been observed that the matches consisting of Indian players have high viewership as compared to the other games.

The General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson, recently spoke about the increase in viewership, especially in India, due to the new media rights deal.

“We had a significant increase in our audiences globally this year, particularly in India off the back of our new media rights deal, in India, which has shown significant growth in the viewership,” Dobson was quoted as saying by News18.

The matches consisting of Indian players (both men and women) have always enjoyed higher viewership over the years. Not only the players, but Indian commentators also help in bringing some significant viewership and new audiences to the league

Alistair Dobson speaks about Indian commentators in BBL

In the last BBL season, Harsha Bhogle and Ravi Shastri were included in the commentary team which was a move to attract audiences from India.

“It was amazing to have those guys (Harsha Bhogle and Ravi Shastri) commentating the BBL. They bring such expertise and interest to our game and they, from all reports, they really loved what they saw. And we’re hoping to see a few global commentators out here again this summer and obviously with a big international summer ahead,” Dobson further added.

We are fortunate that Harmanpreet Kaur has played in WBBL - Alistair Dobson

Alistair Dobson expressed his happiness on Harmanpreet Kaur's tenure for Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL. He also spoke about the possibility of growing the leagues further.

“We’re very fortunate in the WBBL that Indian players of, you know, whether that’s Harmanpreet Kaur for the (Melbourne) Renegades or others that have been in our competition and had such skill and capability and leadership.”

“So we’re always working closely with other boards around the world about how we can grow our competition and make it as accessible as possible and that won’t stop,” Dobson concluded.

The upcoming season of WBBL will begin on October 27, 2024 with Adelaide Strikers taking on Brisbane Heat in the first game. The tournament will go on for over a month with the final to be played on December 1, 2024.