Big Bash League (BBL): Australia's T20 Cricket Competition Explained

What is the Big Bash League?

The Big Bash League (BBL) is Australia's premier domestic T20 competition, administered by Cricket Australia. It was relaunched in its current franchise format in 2011-12 with eight city-based teams: Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. The competition runs across the Australian summer (December to February) and has grown into one of the best-attended domestic cricket competitions in the world.

Franchise Teams

Each BBL franchise is affiliated with a state cricket association but operates as an independent commercial entity. Perth Scorchers have been the most successful team with six BBL titles; Sydney Sixers have won three. The teams attract international players from around the world during the northern hemisphere winter — West Indian power hitters, English batsmen and South African all-rounders have all featured prominently in the competition's history.

Format and Rules

The BBL uses the standard T20 format — 20 overs per side — with the addition of several Cricket Australia innovations. The Bash Boost point (awarded for being ahead at the 10-over mark) was introduced to ensure aggressive play from the first over. The Power Surge rule gives batting teams the option to take the powerplay at any point during overs 11-16. These innovations have been adopted in modified form by some other domestic competitions.

Attendance and Broadcast Reach

The BBL has consistently drawn some of the highest per-game attendances of any domestic T20 competition globally. The tournament averages over 25,000 fans per match at major venues. The competition is broadcast on Foxtel and Channel 7 in Australia and on various streaming platforms internationally. The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), launched in 2015, runs alongside the BBL and has attracted significant viewership in its own right.