After deciding to cut the number of matches and shorten the window, Cricket Australia (CA) has introduced the revised Big Bash League (BBL) format and schedule for the years 2023–24. After reducing the tournament to 44 matches, the season will commence on December 7.
Big Bash League start December 7: Each team will now play 10 league games under the new structure before the top four teams advance to the elimination round. The final match (January 24) is part of the four-match format for the revamped playoffs. Previously, the BBL playoffs included five clubs, resulting in five matches in the tournament’s elimination round.
The first Test match between Australia and Pakistan will take place in Perth from December 14–18, 2023–2024, hence there will be a little hiatus in play during that time. The teams will play the eighth game, commencing on December 19, while the organizers have completely canceled the match scheduled for Christmas Eve.
The Adelaide Strikers will proudly continue to host the prized New Year’s Eve match. At the Adelaide Oval, the team will play a final-year match against the Melbourne Stars.
Alistair Dobson, the Big Bash League’s general manager, issued the following statement:
- “With the season beginning one week earlier than usual this year, we have a fantastic opportunity to connect with fans and engage with communities ahead of the first Men’s Test in Perth during seven blockbuster Big Bash nights,” the statement reads.
Due to the BBL final’s scheduled time slot being immediately following the break between Australia’s two Test matches versus West Indies, a minor venue conflict may occur.
The hosting of the two red-ball games at the Adelaide Oval and the Gabba may necessitate the relocation of the finals if either the Adelaide Strikers or the Brisbane Heat emerge as the winners.
Top Australian athletes are anticipated to once again miss the BBL.
When players like Steve Smith and David Warner appeared in a few key games during the previous season, the league earned a small but helpful boost. Following Australia’s home season, they will participate in their ODI World Cup match in India during the months of October and November 2023.
Up to February 2024, Australia will host the West Indies for an all-format tour and Pakistan for a three-match Test series. In the future, the CA hopes to conclude the home season with the New Year’s Test so that the players can compete in the BBL.
The window’s shrinkage also prevents a potential conflict with emerging leagues like the SA20 and the ILT20, which are currently playing during the cricket season’s January-February window.