It’s springtime in Australia, and the cricket season is right around the corner. A bumper summer of action will unfold in 2024/25, with a visit from India for Australia's men’s team, and a clash with New Zealand for the women’s side among the highlights.
While the international stage will draw plenty of attention, there’s also plenty for domestic cricket fans to look forward to this season – none more so than the return of the Big Bash. Fourteen years since it was first launched, the Big Bash has become one of the world’s most highly-anticipated annual T20 competitions, and earned a rightful place among the hearts of cricket fans, both in Australia and abroad. Not only are the men’s and women’s BBL tournaments a great place to see big-hitting, fast-paced action, but they also offer excellent value for money and have, as such, become a hit with families and fans of all ages.
In 2024, Big Bash season will begin with the women’s tournament, WBBL|10, between 27 October – 1 December. This will be followed by the men’s competition, BBL|14, between 15 December 2024 – 27 January 2025. To speed up the tournament and reward high-performing teams, the BBL will, like the WBBL, feature just 44 games this year, with 4 teams, rather than 5, qualifying for the playoffs.
The draft for this year’s BBL and WBBL competitions took place in early September, meaning squads are now confirmed. In the women’s tournament, Aussie legends Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry will once again take to the field for Sydney Sixers, alongside England stars Sophie Ecclestone and Hollie Armitage. Elsewhere, West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews will turn out for Melbourne Renegades and India’s Smriti Mandhana will play for Melbourne Stars.
In the men’s competition, England opener Ben Duckett proved to be hot property at the 2024 draft and was taken by Melbourne Stars with the very first pick. Duckett joins a host of internationally renowned all-stars at this year’s Bash, including David Warner, Glen Maxwell, Ollie Pope, Shai Hope, and Lockie Ferguson.
Tickets for the BBL and WBBL are on sale now, with early bird pricing available until 10th October for the women’s tournament, and 14th November for the men’s competition. Prices start as low as AUD $10 for adults.
For more information on the Big Bash, or to purchase tickets, click here.