KFC Big Bash League 2026-27: Fixtures, Teams, Squads, Venues, and Everything You Need to Know about BBL 2026-27

The KFC Big Bash League is gearing up for another exciting summer, and the 2026-27 season is about to kick off with a groundbreaking moment that could change the competition's global appeal. Defending champions, the Perth Scorchers, will take on the Melbourne Renegades in the season opener at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium on December 12.

This match marks a historic first, as it will be the very first BBL game played outside of Australia. Cricket Australia is venturing into India to connect with the largest cricket audience in the world and broaden the tournament's reach. The Scorchers, coming in as six-time champions after clinching the 2025-26 title, will be part of a season that features 44 matches and introduces new tactical rules for teams and players.

The finals format will stay the same, with four knockout games determining the champion. The Qualifier, which pits the top two teams against each other, is set for January 19, followed by the Knockout and Challenger matches, leading up to the final on January 26, which will also have a reserve day. The hosting rights for the finals will be based on league standings, giving higher-ranked teams the advantage of playing at home.

Everything To Know About BBL 2026-27

Fixtures

BBL 16 will run from December 12, 2026 to January 26, 2027. The competition includes 40 league matches and play-off fixtures. Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers will open the season in Chennai before Brisbane Heat host Sydney Sixers in the first Australian fixture on December 15 at the Gabba. Double-headers are scheduled for Boxing Day, New Year's Day and the final weekend of the regular season.

Teams

The eight franchises from the cities get back for another championship battle. The Perth Scorchers have been the bar for all these years winning six times and Sydney Sixers have been one of the most formidable teams in this tournament. The teams taking part in the tournament are Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. Only four teams will progress to the playoffs.

Venues

Besides Chennai, the majority of the matches will take place at various international venues throughout Australia. The MCG, SCG, Adelaide Oval, Gabba, Optus Stadium, and Bellerive Oval are set to be the main hubs. Sydney Thunder will keep the tradition alive by playing two home games at Canberra's Manuka Oval, and Junction Oval in Melbourne is gearing up to host three matches following some impressive floodlight upgrades.

Schedule

Squads

Adelaide Strikers: D'Arcy Short, Matthew Short, Chris Lynn, Jake Weatherald, Harry Nielsen, Thomas Kelly, Brendan Doggett, Henry Thornton, Wes Agar, Lloyd Pope, Cameron Boyce, Jason Sangha.

Brisbane Heat: Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan McSweeney, Matthew Renshaw, Callum Vidler, Hugh Weibgen, Jack Wildermuth, Lachlan Hearne.

Hobart Hurricanes: Nathan Ellis, Tim David, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Caleb Jewell, Mac Wright, Mitchell Owen, Nikhil Chaudhary, Patrick Dooley, Peter Hatzoglou.

Melbourne Renegades: Adam Zampa, Will Sutherland, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Jon Wells, Mackenzie Harvey, Fergus O'Neill, Gurinder Sandhu, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Harry Dixon.

Melbourne Stars: Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Sam Harper, Liam Hatcher, Campbell Kellaway, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Mitch Swepson, Austin Anlezark.

Perth Scorchers: Mitchell Marsh, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Lance Morris, Nick Hobson, Sam Fanning.

Sydney Sixers: Moises Henriques, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Todd Murphy, Joel Davies, Kurtis Patterson, Ryan Carters.

Sydney Thunder: David Warner, Chris Green, Oliver Davies, Nathan McAndrew, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Gilkes, Sam Konstas, Blake Nikitaras, Ryan Hadley.