With the final scheduled for February 4 and the 12th season of the Big Bash League set to begin on Tuesday (December 13), Cricket Australia has stated that they are prioritising the return of spectators to grounds after two years affected by COVID. At the Manuka Oval, the Sydney Thunder will face the Melbourne Stars in the first game of the season.
According to Cricbuzz this year’s new season will be played at 17 different locations, including three brand-new ones: North Sydney Oval, Cazalys Stadium in Cairns, and Lavington Sports Ground in Albury, which will serve as the home sites for the Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat, and Sydney Sixers, respectively.
“The KFC BBL|12 season is setting up to have everything we love about the Big Bash – great players, full stadiums of home fans and the best nights of entertainment anywhere this summer,” Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, said.
“This schedule provides the platform for that, with a mix of world-class stadiums and regional venues, opportunities for player participation and all the marquee games that our fans love,” he added with spectators to be able to witness seven home matches this season. “This, combined with other exciting developments in including the KFC BBL|12 Draft for overseas players, make us incredibly excited for the season ahead.”
“The schedule also includes minimal overlap with men’s and women’s international cricket, providing a fan-friendly viewing schedule and opportunities for players to take part in the BBL,” a Cricket Australia release stated.(via Cricbuzz)