Cricket Australia have announced the dates for the 10th season of the Big Bash League (BBL), and surprisingly, the league will coincide with the much-anticipated India’s tour of Australia. The board announced start of the premier T20 event in the country will start from 3rd December 2020 with Adeliade Strikers taking on Melbourne Renegades at home, at the Adelaide Oval, on the opening night. For the first time in the history of it, the league will be played over a duration of 65 days, accounting for the contingencies due to Coronavirus. The league will take a five-day break during the day-night test between Australia and India, between 11-15 December, 2020. The final has been set for February 6 next year.
“While the COVID-19 pandemic may yet force alterations to the summer of cricket, today’s announcement confirms the commitment to a full 61-game schedule, including the return of the five-team finals format,” the CA said in a statement on its website.
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia Head of Big Bash Leagues, said the challenging COVID-19 environment will be monitored continuously and a flexible plan has been devised to tackle the situation. Australia hasn’t been affected as badly as other countries of the world, and have reported a little more than 9,000 cases so far.
“…we must remain vigilant and agile in responding to the COVID-19 situation as it develops and we will continue to work with all relevant federal and state government agencies, biosecurity experts, venues, clubs, players, broadcast partners and our own internal teams to ensure a safe and successful summer,” he said.
“We’ll continue to act in accordance with public health advice and government protocols to ensure the safety of the public, players and support staff,” he added.
Dates for the Women’s BBL (WBBL) are also out with the 59-game league to be played from October 17 until November 29. The sixth edition of the league is slated to start on the weekend of October 17-18 with matches in Brisbane and Perth, including a replay of last year’s final between champions Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers.
The matches will be held across three venues – North Sydney Oval, Blacktown International Sports Park and Hurstville Oval.
