Which BBL team is the favorite to win the 2025/26 title?

Summer's here in Australia, and you know what that means: it's Big Bash time again! As we get ready for the 2025/26 season (BBL|15), things are looking super competitive. A bunch of international stars, like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, have joined in, really mixing things up for all the teams.

But the big question on every fan's lips is: Who is actually going to win this thing?

Predicting T20 cricket is often like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands, but looking at the squads, the betting odds, and recent form, a few clear frontrunners have emerged. Here is a human, down-to-earth breakdown of who the favourites are and why.

The Heavy Favourite: Hobart Hurricanes

In a refreshing twist for BBL fans who were tired of the "Scorchers vs. Sixers" dominance, the Hobart Hurricanes enter this season as the team to beat.

Why they are the favourites: They are the defending champions, having finally broken their curse last season. Confidence in sports is a tangible asset, and Hobart is currently flying high on it. But it's not just "vibes"; their roster is genuinely terrifying.

They have retained the core that won them the trophy and added astute international signings like England’s Chris Jordan. Jordan is arguably one of the best fielders and death bowlers in the world. When you pair him with Nathan Ellis (the captain), you have eight overs of world-class bowling that opposition teams will struggle to score off.

• The Verdict: They are priced as the favourites (around 4.50 to 5.00 odds) for a reason. They have the most balanced squad and the "championship DNA" they lacked for so long.
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The Perennial Powerhouses: Perth Scorchers & Sydney Sixers

You simply cannot write a BBL prediction blog without putting these two at the top. They are the "Real Madrid and Barcelona" of the Big Bash.

1. Perth Scorchers The Scorchers are the most successful team in BBL history. They are a machine. Even when they lose key players, they just plug in a local Western Australian talent who somehow performs like a veteran.

• The X-Factor: Playing at "The Furnace" (Optus Stadium) in Perth is a nightmare for visiting teams. The pitch is fast and bouncy, and the Scorchers’ bowlers—like Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris—are custom-built to exploit it. If they make the playoffs (which they almost always do), they are nearly impossible to stop.

2. Sydney Sixers The Sixers have made a massive statement this year by signing Babar Azam. Whether you love him or critique his strike rate, the man is a run machine. In Australian conditions, where true bounce allows for beautiful stroke play, Babar could be devastating.

• The X-Factor: They also have Sam Curran, the English all-rounder. Curran is a match-winner who can float up the batting order or take wickets in the Powerplay. The Sixers have immense depth, and their experience in big finals makes them a safer bet than almost anyone else.
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The Dark Horse: Brisbane Heat

If you are looking for a team that offers good value and excitement, look no further than the Brisbane Heat.

They won the title two seasons ago (2023/24) and have built a squad that screams "aggression." The headline act is undoubtedly Shaheen Shah Afridi. The Pakistani pacer is arguably the best new-ball bowler in the world. In T20S, taking wickets in the first over often decides the match, and Shaheen does that for fun.

With Usman Khawaja likely leading the batting (when not on Test duty) and Colin Munro providing explosive starts, the Heat have the firepower to blow anyone away on their day. They are inconsistent, yes, but dangerous.

The Wildcards: Melbourne Renegades & Stars

The Melbourne teams have often been the "tragic heroes" of the BBL, but they are making moves to change that narrative.

• Melbourne Renegades: They have signed Mohammad Rizwan, one of the most consistent T20 batters on the planet. Rizwan brings grit and stability, something the Renegades have desperately needed. If their spinners, led by Adam Zampa, fire, they could be a surprise package.
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• Melbourne Stars: They have Haris Rauf back. The MCG is a significant ground, and Rauf’s raw pace and ability to bowl at the death make him a tremendous asset there. However, the Stars have historically struggled to close out tournaments, so betting on them requires a leap of faith.
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Final Verdict: Who Wins?

If I had to put money on it, the Perth Scorchers feel like the smartest choice. Why? Because consistency usually beats star power in a long tournament. While the Hurricanes have the hype and the Sixers have Babar Azam, the Scorchers have a system that works regardless of individual brilliance.

My Prediction:

1. Winner: Perth Scorchers
2. Runner Up: Hobart Hurricanes
3. Top 4 Finish: Sydney Sixers & Brisbane Heat

The 2025/26 season is shaping up to be a battle between the "New Kings" (Hobart) and the "Old Guard" (Perth/Sydney). Grab your popcorn; it’s going to be a classic summer.