Cricket Australia are eager to host the season opener of the Big Bash League (BBL) in India as per latest reports. The BBL have not been informed about the same, but they have an idea about Cricket Australia's desire to do so. Holding the curtain raiser of their premier cricketing league in India will do the world of good for CA.
While there is no official confirmation about the same, Chennai’s M. A. Chidambaram Stadium is one of the frontrunners to host the mega event. As per the report, two senior officials from the Australian cricket board recently visited India and took an account of the logistics and facilities to hold the season opener here.
Cricket Australia’s Head of business operations Phil Rigby and Head of competition development and strategy Margot Harley explored the possibility of hosting the BBL opener in Chennai. If CA decides to go ahead with this plan, they will need to get a green signal from the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) and the local authorities in Chennai or whichever city they finalize.
The idea is still in its early stage and its possibility depends on various factors because conducting a league match on overseas soil is not as easy as it might look. If the idea is put to execution, the BBL will benefit a lot. Be it from sponsorships, fan engagement or an increased market value, they will get it all in India because of the country’s cricket loving nature.
While the BBL has never been hosted outside of Australia, India would very well be the first overseas destination for the Australian top flight. Cricket Australia’s idea of hosting the BBL opener is very much justified given India’s booming cricket market and exceptional fan following. This decision will not just increase their revenue, but will also expand the BBL’s global image.
