The highly anticipated 13th season of the Men’s Big Bash League (BBL) is set to commence this Thursday, promising an exhilarating start with Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars facing off at the Gabba on December 7. This season, the BBL reverts to a 10-game regular season schedule, intensifying the competition with 40 home-and-away matches.
The season opener is particularly notable with the presence of World Cup winners Marnus Labuschagne (Heat), Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis (both Stars), alongside Test opener Usman Khawaja. Adding to the star power, Steve Smith (Sixers) and Adam Zampa (Renegades) are also ready to showcase their prowess in the second night of the season.
The BBL|13 season brings a refreshed finals series format, featuring four teams over six days, a change from the previous five-team, nine-day structure. The Qualifier and the Knockout matches will determine the finalists, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
For fans who wish to experience the thrill live, matches will be held across eight major venues in six states, including special games in Canberra, Geelong, Launceston, Albury, and Coffs Harbour. Tickets for all matches are available for purchase.
If attending in person isn’t feasible, fans in Australia can enjoy 39 nights of prime-time Big Bash action on Channel Seven and Foxtel, with Kayo Sports broadcasting all 44 matches, including 10 exclusive fixtures.
In addition to live action, cricket.com.au and the CA Live app will provide live scores, match reports, and video highlights for every game. Fans can stay updated with the latest news and player interviews across the competition.
A significant change this season is the amendment of the Marvel Stadium roof rule. Cricket Australia has revised the rule regarding balls hitting the roof, allowing umpires to decide on awarding six runs or declaring it a dead ball. This change follows incidents in the previous season where the Renegades lost catching opportunities due to the rule.
Also, in a bid to minimise delays, only stumpings will be reviewed by the third umpire, with captains needing to use their review for other dismissal forms.
The BBL|13 season promises intense rivalries and blockbusters, including two Melbourne and Sydney derbies, BBL|12 Final rematches, and a Boxing Day double-header. The Strikers’ annual New Year’s Eve match and a December 23 double-header are among other highlights.
Fantasy sports enthusiasts can engage in BKT Big Bash Tipping and SuperCoach, with significant prizes for top performers.
The player roster this season is impressive. Australian T20 stars like Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and others are set to appear throughout the season. The draft also brought in international talent, though some, like Rashid Khan and Harry Brook, have withdrawn due to various reasons.
The Perth Scorchers, as dual reigning champions, are the team to watch, with a strong squad despite some key departures. Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Renegades have also made significant changes, boosting their chances in the competition.
The BBL|13 season is shaping up to be a thrilling display of cricketing talent, strategic gameplay, and intense rivalries, promising to captivate fans and players alike.
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The Men's #BigBashLeague (#BBL) kicks off its 13th season on 7 December, promising exhilarating #cricket clashes, star-studded line-ups, venue changes, & exciting format tweaks for fans to enjoy. 🏏🌟🏟️📺🤩 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/xOjhU4nGay
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) December 6, 2023
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