India to Host Big Bash League 2026-27? Here's the Truth

The Big Bash League (BBL) is undoubtedly one of the most famous franchise cricket leagues in the world. It is probably the only league that comes close to the popularity of the richest cricket league in the world, the IPL.

Meanwhile, there is a massive development coming out of the Big Bash League. The reports suggest that a part of the league will be played on Indian soil. It would be interesting to see the BBL action unfold in the nation where most of the cricket fan following resides.

Will India Host Big Bash League 2026-27?

According to SEN Cricket, Cricket Australia (CA) is considering to host the first match of the BBL 2026-27 season in India. CA knows the popularity of cricket in India, and they want to strengthen their ties with the Indian market with this big move.

Interestingly, two of the eight BBL franchises are expected to be sold soon. So, there are high chances that there could be some Indian buyers who might show interest in purchasing or having a share in those franchises, as they have in some of the biggest cricket leagues in the world, like SA20, ILT20, and others.

The Big Bash League has been extremely popular in India right from the outset. The league attracts a record amount of audience from the country. With the league's decreasing popularity over the globe every year, the idea to host BBL in India can help in reviving it.

Will Cricket Australia Get Approval?

Hosting a BBL match in India isn't going to be an easy task for Cricket Australia. The plan would be dependent on the approvals that are required from the broadcasters as well as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). But the plan is still executable, as the Indian Premier League itself was hosted in South Africa once in 2009. By keeping that in mind, Cricket Australia can construct a similar plan and make it happen.

As we all know, the BCCI doesn't allow active Indian players to take part in any franchise cricket league in the world except IPL and domestic leagues, it would be interesting to see if they will allow CA to host one of the matches of the Big Bash League in India. However, if it happens, it can turn out to be a game changing moment in franchise cricket's history.