The Big Bash League (BBL) is set to create history by hosting its first-ever overseas fixture at Chennai’s iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk). The landmark match will see the Melbourne Renegades take on the Perth Scorchers on December 12, making it the first BBL game to be played outside Australia.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during an event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as part of the ‘G’day Namaste’ initiative, which aims to strengthen cultural and sporting ties between India and Australia.
Chennai to host historic Big Bash League clash
The Renegades vs Scorchers fixture will begin at 2:40 pm IST at the 38,000-capacity Chepauk Stadium. It will be treated as a home game for the Melbourne Renegades, while both teams are expected to receive adequate recovery time before resuming their BBL campaign in Australia.
Cricket Australia is scheduled to unveil the complete BBL 2026-27 fixture list next week.
Cricket Australia expects strong fan turnout
Despite the absence of an Indian franchise, Cricket Australia is optimistic about attracting a packed crowd in Chennai, one of India’s most passionate cricket cities.
Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson, said the league already enjoys a strong fan base in India and expressed confidence that local supporters would embrace the historic occasion.
He noted that while the Indian Premier League remains unmatched in popularity, the Big Bash League has built a loyal following among Indian cricket fans. Dobson also predicted plenty of yellow jerseys in the stands, reflecting the massive support for the Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk.
Rain plans under consideration
With Chennai’s northeast monsoon extending into December, Cricket Australia is evaluating contingency plans in case of rain interruptions.
Officials are considering adjustments to playing conditions, including extending the match cut-off time if weather affects play.
Historic match could become an annual event
Although the Chennai fixture is currently planned as a one-off event, Cricket Australia has indicated that it could become an annual feature if the inaugural match proves successful and receives support from relevant authorities.
Dobson said the immediate priority is to deliver a world-class event before exploring long-term possibilities with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and other stakeholders.
Australia open to hosting an IPL match
Cricket Australia also expressed its willingness to host an Indian Premier League (IPL) match in Australia if the opportunity arises in the future.
Dobson said the Chennai initiative demonstrates the strong relationship between the cricket boards and governments of both countries, adding that Australian cricket would be open to discussions about bringing an IPL fixture to Australian venues.
Perth Scorchers welcome opportunity
WA Cricket Chief Executive John Stephenson described the Chennai match as a landmark opportunity for the Perth Scorchers to connect with millions of cricket fans in India.
He said several Scorchers players already enjoy strong support among Indian audiences through their IPL appearances and believes the fixture will help expand the club’s global fan base while maintaining its full schedule of home matches in Australia.
