BBL game in Chennai confirmed, but future in India uncertain

The historic BBL game in India is every chance to be a one-off spectacular, with officials reluctant to commit beyond 2026.

After months of anticipation, the Melbourne Renegades' clash with Perth Scorchers in Chennai was confirmed during a special event at the MCG on Friday led by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi.

The first BBL match outside of Australia will open the 2026–27 BBL on December 12 at the famous MA Chidambaram Stadium.

It will start in the afternoon in India, beamed back by the Seven Network and Fox Cricket following the conclusion of day four of the Test between Australia and New Zealand at Optus Stadium in Perth.

Both TV networks are expected to send over commentary crews to cover the match.

The game is not necessarily part of a plan for the BBL to have a permanent foothold in Chennai, but will tie in with Australia-India relations and wider celebrations of the two countries.

"We've certainly been taking a one-year view on this for now," BBL boss Alistair Dobson said.

"Our focus is making sure this is a great event that's a true reflection of the BBL.

"We want people in Australia watching on the telly to see that looking like a BBL game, but we also want people in Chennai and throughout India to get the unique BBL experience."

With a capacity of about 38,000, Dobson would love to go close to filling the Chennai ground.

"We know there are incredibly passionate cricket fans all over India, but particularly in Chennai," he said.

"Everyone we've spoken to has been really optimistic that we should expect a good crowd.

"What has become clear to us as we've built this event out is just how popular the BBL already is in India.

"The BBL is well-liked and respected, so we can't wait to see all the fans turn out."

The Renegades, who will sacrifice one of their five home games, and the Scorchers will spend a significant period in India in the build-up to the match.

The rest of the tournament will not fully get underway until December 15, with both teams to play their second matches later in the week.

While there is no reserve day in case of wet weather, BBL officials are weighing up whether to extend the hours of play to ensure there is a full game.

The BBL fixture will be released in full next week.

With the Renegades in caretaker mode and in transition for the upcoming season following Cricket Victoria's controversial decision to sell the franchise, the match presents an opportunity to put on a show for potential buyers.

"The opportunity for any of our clubs and players to be in India and playing a BBL game creates such value for their club, whether it's now or in the future," Dobson said.

"The Renegades are a team that has shown an interest in this event from day one, with the opportunity to take a home game in a different market.

"It was an opportunity for them that was an obvious fit."