The Indian Express ·
Sport
Dean Jones-Chennai connect, government initiative behind BBL opener in Chepauk
Bilateral initiatives between Australian and Indian government paved the way for the Big Bash League opener to be held in Chennai on December 12.
Phil Rigby, the Head of League Operations & Club Growth for Big Bash League (BBL), has revealed the bilateral initiative between Indian and Australian government is what enabled Cricket Australia to take their prized T20 event to India. The BBL, one of the oldest T20 leagues behind the Indian Premier League, will host the opening game of the 16th season at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium with Perth Scorchers taking on Melbourne Renegades on December 12.
While the talk of BBL exploring the option of playing a game in India came up earlier this year, the BCCI initially didn’t seem receptive. But within months all of it changed with a formal announcement made by PM Narendra Modi during his visit to Australia in July. “This isn’t just about a Big Bash game; this whole conversation started around a broader bilateral government initiative around how we can grow and strengthen the relationship between Australia and India. What’s the best way to do that? Through cricket. Cricket is India’s game, and it’s Australia’s game, so that’s the logical starting point for that conversation,” Rigby said in Chennai during an official event on Thursday.
BBL has come to Chennai. pic.twitter.com/3MikJ0R6ra
— Venkata Krishna B (@venkatatweets) September 17, 2026
With regards to zeroing in on Chennai as a venue, it is understood that the T20 World Cup fixtures in the city happened to be a great pull. Though it hosted only one India fixture and most of the other fixtures were day games, there was a considerable turnout, and this BBL again being a 2.30 PM start local time, it fitted into BBL’s requirement.
“With discussions we had with the BCCI, it was an easy decision to play this game in Chennai. I think what was really shared with us is how great the cricket fans are in Chennai and how they embrace all formats of cricket. And Chennai and Chepauk Stadium are actually special places for Australians. It has a deep history with Australian cricket. I’m old enough to remember Dean Jones playing on this ground during the tied Test. As we know, it’s home to some of the most passionate cricket fans in the world here in Chennai. So we are excited to be here,” he said.