Cricket Australia officers conceded to a smaller fixture of Big Bash video games subsequent season however will nonetheless stretch the match over a mammoth seven weeks.
A December 7 begin has been confirmed for the 2023/24 season, which can characteristic simply 44 video games, down from 61, a quantity gamers felt was too excessive.
But the season received’t end till the ultimate on Wednesday, January 24, a stretch of seven weeks.
The Big Bash may once more be with out a host of Test stars, with the Australians enjoying matches in opposition to each Pakistan after which the West Indies.
The size of the season has lengthy been contentious given it limits the capability of worldwide stars to play the total match, with leagues in each the United Arab Emirates and South Africa additionally being performed throughout January.
Broadcasters additionally demanded much less video games as a part of CA’s new seven-year TV rights take care of Foxtel and Seven from the 2024-25 summer season, and Big Bash officers introduced the discount ahead one yr.
Opener David Warner is ready to play in at the very least the again half of the Big Bash with the Sydney Thunder, having flagged his retirement will come after the New Year’s Test in opposition to Pakistan on the SCG, ought to he nonetheless be within the Australian workforce.
Nominations for abroad participant drafts have opened, with the struggle now on to safe the world’s finest gamers for the match.
Big Bash boss Alastair Dobson was adamant the size of the season complemented the “overall shape of this summer’s cricket schedule”.
“The dates of the KFC BBL season will again complement the overall shape of this summer’s cricket schedule and culminate with finals well within the school holidays,” he mentioned.
“The start of the season will also present some unique opportunities to engage with communities, connect with fans and introduce exciting new initiatives which will be announced in due course.
“The Big Bash League is iconic in the Australian cricketing landscape, captivating fans across the nation and we look forward to witnessing another summer of exhilarating matches and top-tier talent.”
The diminished BBL season will embrace a brand new four-match finals sequence, down from 5 matches, with the finals construction to be confirmed nearer to the season.
The WBBL will stay at 59 matches for the competitors’s ninth version and begin on October 19.
Source: www.news.com.au
