BBL 2024 Schedule Announced: Perth Scorchers to Host Melbourne Stars in Opening Match
Cricket Australia has unveiled the schedule for the 2024 Big Bash League (BBL) season, with the Perth Scorchers set to host the Melbourne Stars in the tournament opener on December 15. The 14th edition of the men’s BBL promises an exciting start, with each club playing in front of their home fans during the first eight days.
Reigning champions Brisbane Heat will conclude the action-packed opening phase by taking on the Adelaide Strikers on December 22. The Sydney Thunder will be busy in the first week, hosting the Adelaide Strikers in Canberra on December 17 and then returning to their home ground for the first Saturday night clash of the season on December 21, a highly anticipated Sydney Smash against the Sixers. This match is part of a Super Saturday double-header, which also includes the Hobart Hurricanes playing their first home game of the season against the Scorchers at Blundstone Arena.
In an exciting move for fans, Australia’s Test players will have the opportunity to participate in the BBL after the conclusion of the fifth Border-Gavaskar Test on January 7. Each club will play at least three regular-season matches during this period. Among the Test regulars with BBL deals for the upcoming season are Usman Khawaja (Heat), Nathan Lyon (Renegades), and Mitch Marsh (Scorchers). Additionally, players like Travis Head, Alex Carey (both Strikers), Marnus Labuschagne (Heat), and Steve Smith (Sixers) are expected to secure their BBL contracts soon.
Clubs also have the option to sign up to two Cricket Australia-contracted players to a marquee supplementary list, a strategy used by the Sixers and Thunder last season with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, respectively. This allows teams to add these marquee players to their squads if they become available.
Alistair Dobson, CA’s general manager of Big Bash Leagues, expressed his excitement for the upcoming season. “This is a brilliant schedule for fans, with uninterrupted action every night of the regular season and all the marquee games our fans love,” he said. “We also can’t wait to welcome back members of the Australian Test team once again in January, taking advantage of a bigger window following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.”
The finals series will retain the same four-game format as last season, starting with the qualifier on January 21 and culminating in the final on January 27. With a lineup full of thrilling matches and top-tier talent, the 2024 BBL season promises to be one of the most exciting yet.
