Cricket Australia (CA) will change the Big Bash League (BBL) in the upcoming season by reducing the number of matches by 17. In addition, the board has decided to introduce a new four-match finals beginning in 2023/24, with the top four teams in the table of points qualifying for the elimination stages.
The new competition format conforms to CA’s extended seven-year agreement with Foxtel Group and Seven West Media. This essentially indicates that the upcoming season will revert to a 44-game schedule with 40 home and away games, excluding the four elimination round contests.
However, CA has yet to affirm the format of the four-match championship series, which will be determined as the season approaches. The board’s general manager, Alistair Dobson, affirmed that the reduction in games will provide flexibility for the “best fixtures” and “world-class cricket” for players and spectators.
According to cricket. com. au’s quote from Alistair Dobson, “A shortened BBL will allow us greater flexibility to deliver the best possible fixture for clubs and fans, while providing a platform for players to continue to produce the world-class levels of cricket we’ve seen throughout the duration of the tournament.”
The previous season consisted of 61 games, including 56 home and away games, four playoffs, and the championship match. As a result of the decline in average attendance due to the increased number of matches, the management has decided to adopt a ‘less is more’ strategy for the upcoming seasons.
In January, CA affirmed that the number of matches in the Premier League will be reduced to 43 beginning with the 2024–25 season. Alistair Dobson affirmed that the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) format will remain unchanged.
“While there have been no changes to the WBBL schedule, it is essential that the tournament remain at the forefront of T20 leagues as the global women’s game continues to evolve at a rapid pace,” he added.
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