CHENNAI: MA Chidambaram Stadium at Chepauk is set to stage the opening contest of the Big Bash T20 League (BBL) during the second week of December. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) had submitted the proposal earlier in the year and, with the decision hanging on the wider cricket calendar, the final call was left with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). A development source indicated that the BCCI has now approved the plan. If confirmed in full, it would mark the first occasion that a match from a foreign franchise competition is held on Indian soil. On Monday, five officials from Cricket Australia (CA) carried out a visit to Chepauk on the same day as the IPL clash between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. “We had a meeting in the afternoon and they inspected the dressing rooms and other facilities,” the source said.
During the same visit, a representative from Cricket Australia said the exercise is part of broader efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries. “We’re looking at the possibility of Chennai in partnership with the Australian Government to help foster the India-Australia relationship. We’re working closely with our friends in the BCCI to make it happen,” the CA representative said on Monday.
The teams expected to play in the tournament opener are defending champions Perth Scorchers and runners-up Sydney Sixers. Both sides are expected to bring a strong mix of talent, with several high-profile players who are also currently involved in the IPL. Those names include Mitchell Marsh, Finn Allen, Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Starc.
