Big Bash League to kick-off on 3rd December

The tenth edition of the Big Bash League is all set to kick-off on the 3rd of December, Cricket Australia has announced. The Women’s BBL is also set for a comeback with the women’s edition set to be played between October 17 and November 29. Coming just days after the Caribbean Premier league confirmed the beginning of the league on the 18th of August, the announcement is a massive boost to T20 cricket leagues across the globe. 

The BBL will feature a full serving of 56 games set to be played over a period of 60 days. The tournament only consists of eight double-headers. The 60-day window has been dedicated to the tournament to allow for any COVID-19 related contingencies. The Adelaide Oval will play host to the opening game of the BBL when the home team Adelaide Strikers take on Melbourne Renegades. The league is scheduled to conclude on the 6th of February.

"While we know that the challenging, fast-changing coronavirus pandemic could ultimately mean revisions to the schedule, there is nonetheless a lot to like about the way both competitions are shaping up," said Alistair Dobson, the head of Big Bash League. "It is our sincere hope that the WBBL|06 and BBL|10 will go some way towards lifting the spirits of, and restoring a sense of normality to, the nation.”

"The League is pleased to have delivered a fixture that includes matches in each club's home market while also reducing the overall travel burden on clubs. By focusing parts of the competition in a central location (Sydney), it also provides optionality should the COVID-19 situation affect the flow of the season and we remain vigilant in all aspects of our planning to provide a safe environment for players and staff,” he added.

Dobson reiterated CA’s commitment to safety and added that the league will constantly coordinate with all the stakeholders in the country to ensure a safe and smooth tournament. "As with all sporting competitions around the world, 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 concluded.

[Cricbuzz inputs]