Cricket-Chennai set to host Big Bash League opener in December - reports

The opening game ​of the 2026-27 season ​of Australia's Big ‌Bash League (BBL) ​is set to be played in Chennai in December, according to media reports ‌on Tuesday. Indian cricket board (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia did not immediately reply to ​Reuters' request for a comment. Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson backed ⁠the move to shift the tournament opener to India.

The opening game ​of the 2026-27 season ​of Australia's Big ‌Bash League (BBL) ​is set to be played in Chennai in December, according to media reports ‌on Tuesday. Cricket-mad India is a lucrative market for any league and a Cricket Australia (CA) delegation was in Chennai this week for a ‌reconnaissance of the MA Chidambaram Stadium, which serves as ‌the home ground of Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

"We are exploring the potential of Chennai in partnership with the Australian Government ⁠to ​deepen the India-Australia ⁠relationship," a CA representative was quoted as saying by the Indian Express ⁠newspaper. Indian cricket board (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia did not immediately reply to ​Reuters' request for a comment.

Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson backed ⁠the move to shift the tournament opener to India. “We’ve had the opportunity ⁠to ​discuss this with CA and are supportive of the initiative,” Svenson told the Australian Associated Press.

“The Brisbane Heat have ⁠been one of the competition’s best performing teams off the field ⁠with a ⁠strong international following through social media, so we look forward to further discussions with CA."