Big Bash 2026/27 season set to begin in Chennai, India
Cashed-up IPL owners may have been blocked from investing in BBL franchises - but the next BBL season could still have a decidedly Indian flavour.
Cashed-up Indian Premier League (IPL) owners may have been blocked from investing in BBL franchises for now. But the 2026/27 BBL season could still have a decidedly Indian flavour with reports the BBL|16 tournament opener is set to be played at MA Chidambaram Stadium, the 38,000-seat home of the Chennai Super Kings. According to reports in The Indian Express the match is likely to be played in the second week of December following months of talks between Cricket Australia and the all-powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The deal still requires final approval from Indian government officials, however it seems that is close to happening with a Cricket Australia delegation on hand overnight in Chennai for the Super Kings’ final IPL home game of the 2026 season at MA Chidambaram Stadium. MORE: When does Australia play its next Test match? Opponents, dates and venues “We are exploring the potential of Chennai in partnership with the Australian Government to deepen the India-Australia relationship,” a Cricket Australia representative told The Indian Express.
“Nothing confirmed as yet, we are working closely with our friends in BCCI. ” There have been suggestions the match could feature defending BBL champions Perth Scorchers. In 15 seasons no Indian has ever appeared in a BBL match with active players prohibited from participating in overseas T20 leagues.
Former Indian legend Ravi Ashwin came close in BBL|15 after signing with the Sydney Thunder but the 39-year-old suffered a knee injury before the season began.