The Big Bash League is heading to India. BBL|16, the 2026-27 season, will open in Chennai on 12 December, the first time the league has staged a match outside Australia. Here are the dates, the opening fixture and what Indian fans need to know.
BBL 2026-27 dates
The season runs from 12 December 2026 to 26 January 2027. The final is on Tuesday, 26 January, which is Australia Day. There are 44 matches in the men’s competition, and eight teams take part.
The opening match in Chennai
The first game is between the Melbourne Renegades and the Perth Scorchers at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday, 12 December. It is listed for 8:10 pm Australian Eastern time, which is about 2:40 pm IST. The match is part of a “G’day Namaste” showcase that marks growing cricket ties between Australia and India.
Defending champions
The Perth Scorchers won the previous season and are chasing a seventh title. They face the Renegades, a former champion, in the opener, so the first match will feature a past winner and the reigning champions.
Other key fixtures
The league returns to Australian venues after the Chennai game. A Christmas Eve fixture on 24 December is back on the calendar, and double-headers close the regular season on 16 and 17 January. Several venue changes in Melbourne are also part of the new fixture list.
Match timings in India
Most league games are scheduled for 7:15 pm Australian Eastern time. That is about 1:45 pm IST, so most matches fall in the early afternoon in India. Check the official schedule for each match, because some games have different start times.
Where to watch in India
An Indian broadcaster for the season had not been confirmed in the sources we found. In Australia, the matches are shown on Channel Seven, 7Plus, Fox Sports and Kayo Sports. Check the BBL’s official channels for the Indian listing.
Why the Chennai game matters
Cricket Australia wants more Indian fans to follow the league, and playing the opener in India is a big step. For Indian viewers, the game offers a chance to see Australian players in familiar surroundings, and it comes just before the IPL auction on 16 December. Our guide to the IPL 2027 auction has those dates.
What to watch for
Keep an eye on the Scorchers’ defence of their title and on how the league handles its first overseas match. The Chennai opener will also show how Indian crowds respond to a BBL game.
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