Big Bash League: Australia’s T20 Franchise League Shortens Schedule Yet Again
Big Bash League, premier T20 franchise league of Australia is going to shorten its schedule once again. Each teams will play ten games per season in the league phase. Meanwhile four teams will qualify for the playoffs. The format for the playoffs however is yet to be decided.
Sydney, May 12 (AP): Australia's premier Twenty20 cricket competition is being shortened again in an attempt to counteract criticism that the Big Bash League schedule is too long. Cricket Australia on Friday said the league would be shortened to 10 games per franchise a year earlier than planned after it struck a deal with broadcasters, confirming the move from 56 to 40 regular-season games will happen this season. 'One Cricket Family' Rajasthan Royals Admin Shows Nice Gesture, Asks Fans to Go Easy on KKR’s Tweet on Nitish Rana Opening the Bowling.
The playoffs will also be tweaked, going from five teams qualifying to four, with a yet-to-be-determined four-match finals format. The tournament schedule is expected to be announced in July and matches will begin in December.
The reduction in men's matches takes the competition back to 2017-18 when the eight-team Big Bash was in its prime.
The reduced competition timeframe should allow the season to be played entirely within the Christmas school holidays. It will also ensure marquee overseas players are available for a higher percentage of matches, along with giving a greater chance for Australia's white-ball stars to play all matches.
Cricket Australia first indicated its desire to shorten the competition during last summer's broadcast negotiations, with changes planned for 2024-25.
Both local broadcasters Foxtel and Seven had been open to bringing the change in sooner, but a number of deals had to be struck with club sponsors and to alter venue arrangements. 'Cheap Act' Fans Angry On Suyash Sharma After KKR Bowler Allegedly Tries to Bowl A Wide Ball to Prevent Yashasvi Jaiswal From Scoring Century.
“A shortened BBL will allow us greater flexibility to ensure we can deliver the best possible fixture for clubs and fans,” BBL general manager Alistair Dobson said. AP
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