Cricket Australia announced this year’s schedule for the Big Bash League and the Women’s Big Bash League even as the country sees a surge in coronavirus cases. The board has, however, kept in mind the travel and isolation time that would be needed during the edition, which means that the BBL will run for more than 60 days.
The men’s tournament will start from December 3 (the earliest-ever start), while the WBBL will be bigger than ever with 59 games been scheduled. The women’s league will commence fro October 17.
The early start of the BBL means that the Test regulars will not be a part of the tournament as it will clash with India’s tour of Australia.
The potential changes in this year’s BBL includes free-hits for wides, bonus points for runs made or wickets taken by the 10-over mark in an innings and floating Powerplays.
BBL boss Alistair Dobson stated that the ability to announce the BBL fixture was a major achievement.
“Scheduling in the time of coronavirus is not without its challenges, as we have seen in elite sporting conditions at home and abroad, and there are factors outside the League itself which could impact the fixture at a later date.
“That said, at this time, we are happy with the fixture as it stands and excited to celebrate a decade of Big Bash with Australian fans during the summer.
“It should ensure that more BBL matches are played in prime time and enable the regular season to again finish inside the school holidays which was a key objective, particularly in light of the busy international schedule planned for the coming summer.
“We will also be making more announcements in due course about enhancements to the League that we are confident will excite and delight fans across the country.”