Australian PM Anthony Albanese & Indian PM Narendra Modi ( Photo X )

Australia’s T20 franchise tournament, the Big Bash League (BBL), will kick off its 2026-27 season in India, at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium in December, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Friday.Albanese announced the decision alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the latter concluded his three-day visit to Australia.Cricket Australia confirmed that Chennai will host the BBL 16 opener between Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers, with the Renegades designated as the home side. The fixture will mark the first Big Bash League match played outside Australia and is scheduled for December 12.PM Albanese and PM Modi also unveiled the Roadmap on Sport Cooperation, aimed at strengthening sporting ties between Australia and India, according to an offcial media release.“Australia and India are united by our love and passion for sport. This sports roadmap will focus on practical priority areas such as capability building, technology and research to strengthen this cornerstone of our bilateral relationship. I am excited to expand cooperation with India on sport, which not only brings joy to Australians but boosts trade, tourism and investment,” Albanese said.The move is in part supported by the Australian Government and the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) through a Maitri grant.The Australian Government’s Maitri Program aims to deepen ties with India by promoting collaboration in education, research, and policymaking.Addressing the event, Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia Executive General Manager of BBL, described the move as a landmark moment for Australian cricket and the league.“Today is a huge moment for the Big Bash Leagues and for Australian cricket. Chennai is home to some of the most passionate cricket fans on the planet, and we can’t wait to bring the BBL to the MA Chidambaram Stadium,” Dobson said.

Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) President TJ Srinivasaraj also welcomed the partnership, calling it a historic occasion.“The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) is privileged to partner with Cricket Australia (CA) in this landmark occasion of staging the first-ever Big Bash League match in India,” Srinivasaraj said.

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