WBBL Fixtures Announced, Gabba Added to Stadium Series
The fixtures for the 10th season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) have been unveiled, with the iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane set to host a standalone match for the first time. This expansion of the WBBL’s stadium series is part of Cricket Australia’s efforts to replicate the crowd growth experienced in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and The Hundred.
The reduced 40-game regular season and three-match finals series aim to manage the workload of the game’s leading players, though the schedule still faces pressure at both ends. The WBBL will start just a week after the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, potentially impacting overseas player availability. However, Cricket Australia remains confident of securing a strong contingent of international stars, with some clubs already securing multi-year deals before the overseas draft in September.
“The WBBL’s continued appeal to players worldwide, noting the league’s ability to showcase the best women’s cricket in the world’s best stadiums.”
- Alistair Dobson, Head of the Big Bash League
While England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt has opted out of this year’s competition, the tournament is still expected to attract the sport’s biggest names.
The stadium series fixtures include a Sydney derby between the Sixers and Thunder on November 10, as well as a Melbourne showdown between the Stars and Renegades on November 15. The final three days of the regular season will coincide with the Australia-India Test in Perth, providing an opportunity to cross-promote and capitalize on the Test audience.
Improved broadcast facilities, including a third umpire for every game and an increased use of the Decision Review System (DRS), aim to address the inconsistent availability of TV umpires that was in the spotlight last season.
With the reduction in matches, the WBBL will feature a higher proportion of evening games at prime-time, further enhancing the viewing experience for Cricket enthusiasts. As the league continues to evolve, the 10th season promises to deliver an exciting and engaging spectacle for fans of beach cricket, club cricket, and fantasy club cricket.
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