Discussions are underway to bring Indian Premier League (IPL) matches to Australia as part of a broader plan to strengthen sporting ties between the two countries. According to a report by The Age, Cricket officials and government representatives are exploring the possibility of regular cross-border domestic fixtures.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. As part of the initiative, the Melbourne Renegades will face the Perth Scorchers in the opening match of the 2026-27 BBL season at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on December 12, 2026.
IPL Matches Could Be Played in Australia in the Future
Cricket Australia, the BCCI, and government officials from both countries have held discussions for several years about strengthening cricket ties. While the immediate focus is on the BBL opener in Chennai, the long-term plan includes inviting the BCCI to stage future IPL matches in Australia.
The report added that both boards want to build a stronger cricket partnership beyond bilateral tours and broadcast deals, and IPL in Australia could be a major step towards achieving that. Officials hope regular domestic matches between the two countries will create a lasting relationship instead of depending only on the international calendar.
Broadcast experts also believe the move could increase the popularity of the BBL in India and the IPL in Australia. Stronger interest in both leagues could even revive the Champions League T20, which was discontinued after struggling to attract fans despite launching in 2008. Notably, The Age reported this IPL move to Australia.
Australian and Indian Leaders to Promote BBL Match
Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Indian PM Narendra Modi are scheduled to meet AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon and BBL head Alistair Dobson on Friday. CA chief executive Todd Greenberg and chair Mike Baird are not part of the discussions, as they are attending the ICC annual conference in Edinburgh.
The Chennai match will be the main event of the wider 'G'day Namaste' initiative, according to the report. The program will also include business conferences, trade forums, and arts and film events aimed at strengthening commercial and cultural ties between Australia and India.
The Melbourne Renegades were selected for the match because they had available home fixtures after their agreement at Marvel Stadium ended. The Perth Scorchers were chosen as the opposition partly because of the shorter travel distance from Western Australia, allowing both teams enough recovery time.
AFL Unveils India Engagement Plan Alongside Cricket Initiative
Alongside the cricket plans, the Australian Football League (AFL) will unveil a long-term strategy to strengthen ties with the Indian community. The plan aims to increase participation in Australian rules football in India and improve engagement with the growing Indian community across Australia.
A leaders' forum featuring business executives, community representatives, and athletes was held before the meeting between AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon and Narendra Modi. The event included North Melbourne VFLW player Zoe Savarirayan, who became the first player of Indian heritage to play in the AFLW in 2022.
Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, has also highlighted the rapid growth of the relationship between the two countries. Speaking earlier this year, he said:
"When I reflect on the trajectory of the Australia-India relationship, what strikes me most is the sheer pace of change. In Australia's history, we have never seen such a rapid ramp-up in a major power relationship."
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