Cricket Australia plan to host one BBL game in India, TNCA confirms discussions

Cricket Australia is exploring the possibility of staging a Big Bash League match in India next season as part of a broader strategy to tap into the country's vast and lucrative cricket market, according to a report by Sen Cricket.

Cricket Australia (CA) is exploring the possibility of staging a Big Bash League (BBL) match in India next season, with Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium emerging as a potential venue, according to a report by Sen Cricket.

A senior Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) office-bearer confirmed that preliminary discussions have taken place, though the proposal remains at a nascent stage.

As per the report, CA's Head of Business Operations Phil Rigby and Head of Competition Development and Strategy Margot Harley recently travelled to India to assess the feasibility and logistics of hosting an offshore fixture.

"Yes, two representatives came from Cricket Australia. Senior office-bearers were part of the discussions where the possibility of one BBL game per season was discussed," the TNCA official told PTI.

"They have heard good things about MA Chidambaram Stadium and conducted a recce. However, we are not the only venue under consideration. TNCA cannot commit unless we receive a directive from the BCCI. It is the parent body that will decide whether to green-light the proposal," the official, who did not wish to be named, added.

The move is understood to be part of CA's broader commercial strategy as it prepares for the potential sale of at least two of the BBL's eight franchises. Taking a match to India is seen as a way to strengthen ties in the world's largest cricket market and attract investor interest.