The upcoming edition of the Australian Big Bash League (BBL) is geared up to witness some significant changes in the tournament structure. The 13th edition of BBL will have the competition to only 44 fixtures as the championship has been restructured to accommodate and implement the basis of the guidelines of the newly introduced television rights deal.
Cricket Australia (CA) had recently signed a seven-year media and broadcasting rights with Foxtel Group and Seven West Media to stream the tournament. The Men’s BBL will see a reduction in games as the normal 44-match tournament will be conducted with 40 home and away league matches along with the 4 Playoffs finale fixtures.
Interestingly, the Women’s Big Bash League has witnessed no change and the tournament will continue to be a 59-game event with 56 home and away league matches alongside 3 finale fixtures.
Addressing the media, Cricket Australia General Manager Alistair Dobson said that the reduction in the Men’s BBL fixtures will allow flexibility in conducting the tournament with an enhanced experience for all the fans. Furthermore, he also stated that there are no plans to shorten the Women’s BBL in order to promote and enlarge the scope of women’s cricket in Australia.
Retention window for BBL to start on May 15
Notably, the much-anticipated retention window for Men’s and Women’s Big Bash League is set to start on May 15 and end on May 22. All the franchises will be set to retain the performing and release the out-of-form athletes. The Men’s BBL franchise can retain up to 12 players whereas the Women’s BBL franchises can retain up to 10 cricketers. There are no criteria laid down for international or domestic cricketers as franchises can also retain centrally contracted players.
After the retention window, a Player Draft will be conducted soon post which the official shortened schedule for Men’s BBL will be announced.
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