The historic Big Bash opener in Chennai is likely to feature Perth Scorchers against Sydney Sixers

Chennai, May 18 (IANS) In what could be considered a historic first for Indian cricket, the opening match of the upcoming Australian Big Bash League (BBL) season could be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, several reports claimed on Monday evening. CHENNAI: The MA Chidambaram Stadium will host the opening match of the Big Bash T20 League (BBL) in the second week of December. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) received the proposal earlier this year and left the final decision to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). A source close to the development said the BCCI has agreed. This will be the first time that a foreign franchise league match will be played in India. Five officials from Cricket Australia (CA) visited Chepauk on the day of the IPL clash between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday. “We had a meeting in the afternoon and inspected the dressing rooms and other facilities,” the source said. Meanwhile, a CA representative said, “We are exploring the potential of Chennai in collaboration with the Australian government to boost India-Australia relations. We are working closely with our friends at the BCCI to achieve this,” the representative said on Monday.The teams expected to feature in the opening round are defending champions Perth Scorchers and runners-up Sydney Sixers. They boast several top players who are also currently involved in the IPL, including Mitchell Marsh, Finn Allen, Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Starc.