CRICKET | Big Bash League exploring options of hosting games in India

The Big Bash League, Australia’s franchise-based T20 cricket league, is exploring the possibility of hosting a few games of the 2026-27 edition in India.

Two BBL executives — Phil Rigby and Margot Harley — along with a Cricket Australia production executive — Richard Ostroff — visited India to assess the feasibility of hosting a few games. The representatives visited the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium here last week and met officials of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.

While these were preliminary meetings, The Hindu understands that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had indicated to the TNCA to “slow-walk” the discussions and “not commit to anything” to the CA executives.

A possible hitch in conducting BBL matches in India will depend on its potential impact on the IPL, especially as the current broadcast rights cycle ends in 2027 and is up for renewal.

The Hindu understands that discussions between the Australian contingent and the TNCA hierarchy centred on the logistics of hosting games at the home of the Chennai Super Kings, one of the most successful IPL franchises.

According to sources, the team was keen to learn about ticketing, security, and other logistics involved in hosting the matches.

Currently, the BCCI does not allow any current Indian male players to play in any of the overseas franchise-based T20 leagues. Only players who have retired from all formats of cricket in India, including the IPL, can take part

This is the first instance of an overseas league expressing its desire to host games in India, which has the largest cricket fan base globally.

Last year, former Indian cricketer R. Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in 2024 and from the IPL in 2025, signed with BBL side Sydney Thunder. However, Ashwin had to pull out ahead of the 15th edition of the tournament after suffering a knee injury.