Melbourne, 14 July 2026:
The KFC Big Bash League will return for its 16th season with a summer schedule featuring a historic opener in India, six doubleheaders and five Brisbane Heat matches at The Gabba.
BBL|16 will begin Dec. 12 when the Melbourne Renegades face the Perth Scorchers at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The competition’s Australian launch will follow Dec. 15, when the Heat host the Sydney Sixers at The Gabba.
The Brisbane venue will have a prominent role throughout the season, staging Heat home matches against the Sixers, Adelaide Strikers, Hobart Hurricanes, Perth Scorchers and Sydney Thunder.
The Gabba program includes a New Year’s Day fixture against the Hurricanes and the final match of the regular season, against the Thunder on Jan. 17.
Cricket Australia Executive General Manager of Big Bash Leagues Alistair Dobson said the schedule was designed to provide fans with consistent prime-time cricket throughout the school holiday period.
“The KFC BBL|16 season is shaping up to have everything we love about the Big Bash — great players, full stadiums of fans and the best nights of entertainment anywhere this summer,” Dobson said.
“With uninterrupted action every night of the regular season and all the marquee games our fans love, this schedule ensures the BBL remains the heartbeat of summer.”
The schedule also features the return of Christmas Eve cricket, with the Renegades hosting the Hurricanes at Junction Oval on Dec. 24.
The Boxing Day doubleheader will see the Sixers play the Heat at the SCG before the Scorchers meet the Melbourne Stars at Optus Stadium.
The Adelaide Strikers will host the Stars on New Year’s Eve. The Renegades and Sixers will then open a New Year’s Day doubleheader at the MCG before the Heat and Hurricanes meet under lights at The Gabba.
The regular season runs through Jan. 17, with finals scheduled for Jan. 19, Jan. 20 and Jan. 23. The BBL|16 final will be played on the Australia Day public holiday, Jan. 26.
Thirty regular-season matches and all finals will be broadcast live and free on Seven and 7plus. Every match will also be available on Foxtel and Kayo Sports, including 10 games exclusive to Fox Cricket.
