Big Bash League Shortens Schedule to 10 Games per Franchise to Address Criticism

Harshit Sachan May 12, 2023

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Big Bash League Shortens Schedule to 10 Games per Franchise to Address Criticism — Image Courtesy: IANS/Twitter

Australia’s premier Twenty20 cricket competition, the Big Bash League (BBL), is set to shorten its schedule to 10 games per franchise, a year earlier than planned, in an attempt to counter criticism that the league’s schedule is too long. The decision was made after a deal was struck with broadcasters, reducing the regular-season games from 56 to 40 this season.

Tweaked playoffs and finals format in BBL

Cricket Australia announced on Friday that the playoffs will also be tweaked, with only four teams qualifying instead of five, and a yet-to-be-determined four-match finals format. The tournament schedule is expected to be announced in July, with matches beginning in December. This reduction in men’s matches takes the competition back to its prime in 2017-18 when the eight-team Big Bash was initially launched.

The reduced competition timeframe will allow the season to be played entirely within the Christmas school holidays, which will benefit families and younger audiences. It will also ensure marquee overseas players are available for a higher percentage of matches, along with giving a greater chance for Australia’s white-ball stars to play all matches. Cricket Australia had previously indicated its desire to shorten the competition during last summer’s broadcast negotiations, with changes originally planned for 2024-25.

Often criticized for being too long, the Big Bash League will cut back on the number of games to allow for more marquee players to feature and the season to be played entirely within the Christmas school holidays #BBL
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 12, 2023

Broadcasters’ response

Local broadcasters Foxtel and Seven have been open to bringing the change in sooner, but a number of deals had to be struck with club sponsors and to alter venue arrangements. Cricket Australia is confident that this shortened BBL will allow them greater flexibility to deliver the best possible fixture for clubs and fans.

The BBL, which launched in 2011, has been one of the most popular T20 cricket leagues globally, but criticism about its long schedule has increased in recent years. The league’s popularity has also been challenged by the emergence of new leagues such as the Indian Premier League and The Hundred in England.

This change in schedule is expected to benefit the league by making it more accessible to families and audiences, providing more opportunities for players, and ultimately delivering a more exciting competition.