Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) is set to break new ground by staging its first-ever match outside Australia, with the 2026-27 season opener scheduled to take place in Chennai.
The landmark fixture will see Melbourne Renegades take on defending champions Perth Scorchers at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on December 12, marking the first time a foreign franchise cricket league has played a competitive match in India.
The announcement was made on Friday during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Melbourne, where the initiative was unveiled as part of broader efforts to strengthen sporting, cultural and economic ties between India and Australia.
The blockbuster clash will launch the new BBL season in front of one of cricket’s most passionate fan bases, with organisers expecting strong local support despite commercial details, including ticket sales, yet to be finalised.
“Australia and India are united by our love and passion for sport,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“I am excited to expand cooperation with India on sport, which not only brings joy to Australians but boosts trade, tourism and investment.”
The match will also headline a week-long festival titled ‘G’day Namaste’, featuring Australian business, sporting and cultural events across India.
Speaking alongside Albanese at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Modi welcomed the growing partnership between the two nations.
“I am confident that just like in sports, our partnership too will become a champion in every field,” he said.
Cricket Australia believes Chennai is the ideal venue for the competition’s overseas debut, given the city’s rich cricket culture and passionate supporters.
“We know they’re incredibly passionate cricket fans all over India, but particularly in Chennai,” BBL chief Alistair Dobson said.
“Everyone we’ve spoken to has been really optimistic that we should expect a good crowd.”
The fixture represents a significant milestone for the league, which has previously staged every BBL match on Australian soil since its inception.
