Big Bash League's opening match may be held in Chennai

Chennai, May 18 (IANS) In what could be considered a historic first for Indian cricket, the opening match of the upcoming season of Australia's Big Bash League (BBL) could be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, multiple reports claimed on Monday night.

CHENNAI: The MA Chidambaram Stadium will host the opening match of the Big Bash T20 League (BBL) in the second week of December. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) had received the proposal earlier this year and left the final decision to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). A source close to the development said the BCCI has given its nod. This will be the first time that a match of a foreign franchise league match will take place in India. Five officials from Cricket Australia (CA) visited Chepauk on the day of the IPL clash between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday. “We had a meeting, in the afternoon and they carried out an inspection of the dressing rooms and other facilities,” the source said. Meanwhile, a CA representative said: “We’re exploring the potential of Chennai in partnership with the Australian Government to drive India-Australia relationship. We’re working closely with our friends in the BCCI in making it happen,” the representative said on Monday. The teams expected to feature in the opener are defending champions Perth Scorchers and runners-up Sydney Sixers. They boast several top players, also currently involved in the IPL, including Mitchell Marsh, Finn Allen, Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Starc.