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For the first time in the history of the Big Bash League (BBL), one of its matches is set to be hosted in Chennai, India. After a series of meetings exchange of dialogue, the delegates from Cricket Australia and the BBL were finally able to convince the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow a BBL match in India.
At the beginning of 2026, it was widely circulated that Cricket Australia was trying to host a 2026-27 BBL match in India. When the news started to circulate, BCCI was reportedly not very eager to witness a Big Bash League match in one of their venues. After months, the situation changed drastically as the Indian cricket board nodded in favour of the BBL and CA.
Top BBL official Phil Rigby explains how a BBL match is set to be hosted in India.
In a recent press conference, Phil Rigby, the Head of League Operations & Club Growth for Big Bash League, explained why they wanted to host a League match in India and how they convinced BCCI to support them.
Initially, the matter was limited to the two national cricket boards. But later, it took a diplomatic turn after a formal announcement made by PM Narendra Modi during his visit to Australia in July.
After discussions, it has been confirmed that the opening match of the 2026–27 Big Bash League season between the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on December 12, 2026.
Cricket works as a bridge between India and Australia
The relationship between India and Australian cricket works as a connector. As the governments themselves want to share a healthy relationship, BCCI follows the same.
"This isn’t just about a Big Bash game; this whole conversation started around a broader bilateral government initiative around how we can grow and strengthen the relationship between Australia and India. What’s the best way to do that? Through cricket. Cricket is India’s game, and it’s Australia’s game, so that’s the logical starting point for that conversation,” Rigby said in Chennai during an official event on Thursday.
Phil Rigby connects Chennai and Australia with Dean Jones
India is home to multiple iconic grounds across the nation. Among all those grounds, why did Cricket Australia select Chennai as their venue? Rigby mentioned that selecting Chennai as the venue for a Big Bash League match was an easy decision for them for mainly two reasons: cricket culture in Chennai and the Chepauk Stadium, and Australian cricket fans' connection with Chennai.
"With discussions we had with the BCCI, it was an easy decision to play this game in Chennai. I think what was really shared with us is how great the cricket fans are in Chennai and how they embrace all formats of cricket. And Chennai and Chepauk Stadium are actually special places for Australians," Phil Rigby expressed.
"It has a deep history with Australian cricket. I’m old enough to remember Dean Jones playing on this ground during the tied Test. As we know, it’s home to some of the most passionate cricket fans in the world here in Chennai. So we are excited to be here,” he said," he added..
