Cricket Australia (CA) is exploring the possibility of hosting a Big Bash League (BBL) match in India next season, with the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai emerging as a potential venue, according to a report by Sen Cricket.
An official from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) confirmed that preliminary discussions have taken place, although the proposal remains in its nascent stage.
According to the report, CA’s head of business operations Phil Rigby and head of development and competition strategy Margot Harley recently traveled to India to assess the feasibility and logistics of hosting an offshore facility.
“Yes, two representatives have come from Cricket Australia. Senior officials were part of the discussions discussing the possibility of one BBL match per season,” a TNCA official told PTI.
“They have heard good things about the MA Chidambaram Stadium and have done reconnaissance drives. But we are not the only venue under consideration. TNCA cannot commit unless we get a directive from the BCCI. It is the parent body that will decide whether to approve the proposal,” added the official, who did not wish to be named.
The move is understood to be part of CA’s wider business strategy as it prepares for the potential sale of at least two of the BBL’s eight franchises. The match with India is seen as a way to strengthen ties in the world’s biggest cricket market and attract investor interest.
The report identified the Perth Scorchers as a logical candidate to feature in the proposed fixture, citing the time zone alignment and WACA officials’ reported openness to talks with Indian investors. However, the plan remains exploratory and would require approval from multiple stakeholders, including broadcasters and the BCCI.
The BBL is widely regarded as one of the premier T20 leagues worldwide Perth Scorchers are his most successful side. They won their sixth title in the 2025–26 season after defeating the Sydney Sixers in the final, moving ahead of heavyweight franchises such as Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Trinbago Knight Riders in the total number of T20 titles.
While no formal agreement has been reached, the discussions underscore CA’s intention to expand BBL’s reach and more firmly embed competition in the Indian market.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 17, 2026