BBL

The Big Bash League (BBL) has become one of the most thrilling and widely followed T20 cricket tournaments in the world. With a strong mix of international stars, local Australian talent, and a passionate fan base, the BBL delivers non-stop action every season. At The Cricket Scores, our BBL tag section brings you the most reliable match updates, player insights, tournament stats, and everything you need to follow the Big Bash closely.

History

The BBL (Big Bash League) launched in 2011 as Cricket Australia’s answer to fast‑paced franchise T20 cricket. Replacing the old state‑based T20 Big Bash, the new city‑centric format immediately drew record crowds, prime‑time TV slots, and international stars. Over the past decade, the BBL has evolved from a domestic experiment into one of the world’s premier T20 tournaments, driving innovations such as the Bash Boost point, Power Surge, and X‑Factor substitute.

Tournament Format

The modern BBL season runs from December to early February. Each of the eight franchises plays a double round‑robin (14 games), earning three points for a win plus one bonus Bash Boost point if they lead at the 10‑over mark of the chase. The top five qualify for the Finals series:

1. The Qualifier (1 v 2) – winner straight to the Final
2. The Knock‑Out (3 v 4) – loser eliminated
3. The Eliminator (5 v Loser Qualifier) – loser out, winner to Challenger
4. The Challenger – winner faces Qualifier winner in the Final
5. The Final – hosted by the higher‑ranked finalist

Current Teams

Big Bash League Squads 2025–26

Official 2025‑26 squads will be confirmed in the October draft window. Each list may include:

• 18 contracted players (maximum 5 overseas; only 3 can play XI)
• Platinum international picks such as Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler, or Andre Russell
• National‑contracted Australians (e.g., Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne) when available
• Emerging rookies promoted from Premier Cricket pathways

Rivalries

• Sydney Smash – Sixers vs Thunder ignites New South Wales pride.
• Melbourne Derby – Stars vs Renegades pack the MCG and Marvel Stadium.
• Perth‑Sydney Saga – Scorchers’ dominance clashes with Sixers’ trophy haul.
• Adelaide vs Brisbane – a growing battle of explosive batting line‑ups.

Tournament Seasons & Results

Salary Cap

For 2025‑26, each club has an AUD $2 million salary purse excluding marquee marketing deals. Platinum overseas players can command up to $420k, while rookie retainer slots start near $30k.

Prize Money

Cricket Australia earmarks AUD $1.4 million in prize funds: $450k for champions, $220k for runners‑up, and incremental shares for Finals participants, ensuring on‑field success translates into financial reward.

Audience

Average attendances hover around 22,000 fans per game, with marquee fixtures topping 40k. Broadcast reach spans Seven Network, Fox Cricket, and Kayo in Australia, plus worldwide streams on Willow TV (USA), Sky Sports (UK), and Sony Sports (India).

Grounds

Key BBL venues include the MCG, SCG, Optus Stadium, Adelaide Oval, Gabba, Marvel Stadium, Blundstone Arena, and Sydney Showground. Regional matches in Launceston, Geelong, and Alice Springs extend the league’s footprint.

Records & Statistics

• Most Runs: Chris Lynn 3,500+
• Most Wickets: Sean Abbott 150+
• Highest Team Total: Melbourne Stars 273/2 (2023)
• Best Bowling Figures: Lasith Malinga 6/7
• Fastest Fifty: Marcus Stoinis (17 balls)