Before BBL 15, the Melbourne Stars have established a partnership with the Bharat Army, Team India’s official supporter group, to improve the Big Bash League matchday experience and atmosphere. As a result of the collaboration, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will have a dedicated fan area that will unite ardent cricket fans from all origins under one roof.
This most recent initiative is in line with the Big Bash League’s longstanding commitment to entertaining and engaging its fans. The Bharat Army, which is well-known throughout the world for its presence, chants, and support of Indian cricket, has established standards for structured fan culture in foreign settings. The Melbourne Stars hope to increase attendance at their home games and create a more welcoming and engaging stadium environment by collaborating with the Bharat Army.
Bay M8 at the MCG has been named the official “Stars Army” fan bay as part of the partnership. Fans can choose their seats in Bay M8 for every Melbourne Stars game at the legendary venue by using the Ticketek website. Notably, people of all backgrounds are welcome to use the bay.
Joining forces 🤝
We’re excited to welcome @thebharatarmy to the MCG for BBL|15 to create a new fan bay open to all, the Stars Army 🌟
🎟️: https://t.co/wNT2nuS4eU pic.twitter.com/T28hsfv9j2
— Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) December 13, 2025
The Bharat Army has established the standard worldwide: General manager of the Melbourne Stars
Max Abbott, general manager of the Melbourne Stars, praised the collaboration and cited the Bharat Army’s history of bringing supporters together and fostering special moments in the stands. Although he acknowledged that Team India will always have the group’s backing, Abbott said he was happy to welcome them into the Stars family because of their mutual passion for the game. He added that the noise and intensity produced by Bay M8 might give the Stars players on the pitch a big lift.
“The Bharat Army has established the standard for uniting supporters and producing amazing experiences in the stands on a worldwide scale. We are thrilled to welcome them to the Melbourne Stars family through our mutual passion of cricket, even though their support of Team India will always come first. Crucially, fans of all backgrounds can visit the MCG for the Bharat Army experience, which is focused on a love for the game, because the Stars Army bay will be accessible to all. The general manager of the Melbourne Stars stated, “I’m sure our players on the pitch will benefit from the energy and noise coming from bay M8 at the MCG.”
Rakesh Patel, the creator of the Bharat Army, had similar remarks, describing the partnership with the Melbourne Stars as “truly special.” Patel emphasised that the Bharat Army is a global fan base bound together by friendship, family, and passion.
“The Bharat Army is a distinctive and creative voice brought together by an unparalleled love of cricket.” Being associated with the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League is something very significant for us as a global network of supporters, friends, and family. It feels extremely natural for us to join the Stars in celebrating fans, passion, and the essence of the game after sharing innumerable experiences at the MCG while supporting India. We’re thrilled to contribute our enthusiasm, colour, and voice to the Stars this season, as this partnership exemplifies how cricket transcends clubs and national boundaries,” Rakesh Patel stated.
Bharat Army Media Manager Daman Singh and fan representative Ajay Sindha will spearhead the group’s enthusiasm. Singh declared that the Bharat Army’s fervour will continue in Australia and assured an electrifying scene filled with dhols, drums, and nonstop activity. In addition, he included the names of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, two Stars mainstays, and exhorted supporters to give the players their all. On December 18, when the Melbourne Stars play the Hobart Hurricanes on opening night at the MCG, the Stars Army will make its debut.
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