Big Bash League History and Foundation
Big Bash League is a T20 tournament which took inspiration from the IPL, and Cricket Australia started the league in the year 2011. The tournament takes place from the month December to February. The schedule of the tournament is being created in such a way that the school children and younger people can come, so that it gains popularity, especially during the festive season. In the initial years, the BBL hadn’t had much success, but then slowly and steadily, it has become one of the most competitive leagues in the world. From its inception time, there were teams like the Melbourne Stars, Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder, Melbourne Stars, Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat, Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers.
Perth Scorchers was the most dominant team in the early years of the tournament and won the tournament several times, and reached the finals a few times as well. Teams like the Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat also punched above their weight and won the BBL several times. In the BBL only, the “Zing” bail was first used, and these sorts of equipment and gimmicks attracted the television audiences too which made the BBL more famous. As the BBL seasons went by it introduced new rules and regulations like X-factor player, Power Surge to make it more interesting for the fans to watch. In the 2018-19 season, the BBL faced criticism due to the lengthy time span of the tournament but still it has garnered millions of audiences across the world.
Big Bash League Current Format and Variations
The 2025/26 season of the BBL will start from the 15th of December 2025, and the final will take place on the 27th of January 2026. Previously the tournament had 56 matches until 2023. From 2024, it was reduced to 40 league matches. After the league stage the playoff will commence with the Qualifier, where the 1st and 2nd placed teams clash against each other. Then the knockout match where the 3rd and 4th place play and then in the challenger match the loser of the Qualifier and the winner of the Knockout face off against each other. Lastly in the final the winner of the qualifier and the winner of the challenger square off against each other.As far as the points table system is concerned, every winning team will get two points, and in case of a no result scenario, the points will be split among the two teams.
At the end, the top four teams will play in the knockout stage. The first match will be the qualifier match, where the top two teams in the points table will be squaring off against each other, and then there is the knockout match in which the third and fourth-placed teams clash against each other. Subsequently, this stage is followed by the Challenger match, where the loser of the Qualifier match and the winner of the Knockout will play it out for a place in the Final. And then at the summit level of the League, the final match will be played between the winners of the Qualifier and the Challenger matches.
Big Bash League Team Owners and Sponsors
As far as the Perth Scorchers franchise is concerned, John Stelin is the owner of the franchise. The principal partner of this franchise is Peet, whereas the official sponsors of the Perth Scorchers franchise are Murdoch University, BMD, and Komatsu.
Cricket Australia and SACA jointly own the Adelaide Strikers franchise, whereas West End, Think Road Safety are the official sponsors of this franchise.
As far as the owner of the Melbourne Renegades is concerned, Cricket Victoria owns this franchise. Liberty company and Tangerine are the official sponsors of this franchise. The owner of the Hobart Hurricanes franchise is the Wilson Security company.
On the other hand, the official sponsors of the Hobart franchise are the Redzed and the Tasmanian companies. Queensland Cricket are the official owner of the Brisbane Heat franchise. Queensland Country Bank and poolwerx are the principal sponsors of this franchise.
Cricket Association of Sydney and Cricket Victoria are the owners of Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars, whereas the official sponsors of Sydney Thunder are Homestar finance and Homeworld company. On the other hand, Dodo company and 13 cabs app are the official sponsors of Melbourne Stars.
Big Bash League Teams and Brand Value
There are no such estimated official brand values disclosed in the BBL as compared to the IPL. One of the most successful franchises of the BBL is the Sydney Sixers, who have lifted the BBL title in 2019-20 and 2020-2021 editions. The estimated net worth of the Sydney Sixers is USD 4-9 million.
Perth Scorchers is another franchise that performs consistently in the BBL, and its net worth is USD 3-8 million in approx. On the other hand, teams like Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades have a strong squad but never manage to play in a ruthless manner. The net worth of both these teams are USD 5-10 million approx and USD $ 6.85 million approx respectively.
As as far as the brand values of Hobart Hurricanes and Brisbane Heat are concerned, USD 13-17 M approx and AUD 10M to AUD 30M are their estimated net worth, respectively. And lastly the brand values of Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars are AUD 2-3 million approx and AUD 900 M respectively.
Big Bash League Rules and Variations
The rules and regulations of the BBL are set mostly in tune with the standard T20 regulations. But in the BBL, instead of the traditional coin toss, there is a bat flip to decide the fate of the toss. Till now, the Big Bash has followed the draft system. The BBL 2025-26 draft will take place on 19th June, and Brisbane Heat will have the first go. Interestingly, there are 600-plus players who have shown willingness, but surprisingly, only 10 players were part of the starting draft. Another rule is that each team has to draft three overseas players, including pre-signed players, too.
There are a few exciting rules in the Big Bash that make the tournament very unique. In every T20 game all over the world, there is the first six-over powerplay, but here in the Big Bash, there is the Power Surge Rule, where there is the powerplay for the first four overs. With this rule, the batting team can choose on their own a 2-over Power Surge from the 11th over to the 20th over. During the two-over surge, only two fielders are allowed beyond the 30-yard circle. Below are the specific rules for the BBL.
Big Bash League Tournament Seasons and Results
Sydney Sixers in 2011-12
Sydney Sixers started the BBL tournament with a bang and won the BBL trophy in its very inaugural season by defeating the Brisbane Heat in the final. Bowling first, the Sydney Sixers restricted the Brisbane Heat to a below-par total of 139 for the loss of 8 wickets. Then, coming into chase, the then Sydney Sixers captain Brad Haddin led from the front and scored a magnificent 76 runs in just 59 balls, and a young Steve Smith remained not out on 11 runs to win it for the Sixers.
Brisbane Heat in 2012-13
The Brisbane Heat franchise, claimed the prestigious BBL title. In 2012-13 in its second edition after defeating the other contender, Perth Scorchers. Opting to bat first, the Brisbane Heat posted a solid total of 167 runs with the loss of five wickets, where the likes of Joe Burns, Luke Pomersbach, and Dan Christian played some decent knocks. Coming into bowl, the Heat restricted the Perth Scorchers to an average score of 133 runs with the loss of 9 wickets. Kemar Roach especially bowled brilliantly and took 3 wickets to win it for the Heat.
Perth Scorchers in 2013-14
In the third season, opting to bat first, the Perth Scorchers scored a humongous total of 191 runs with the loss of four wickets. The Marsh brothers and local boys, Shaun Marsh batted exceptionally well and scored 63 in just 43 balls. On the other hand, Mitchell Marsh played a smashing knock of 37 in just 12 balls. Coming into bowl, the likes of Jason Behrendorff and Brag Hogg bowled brilliantly to win the title for the Perth Scorchers. At the end, Brad Hogg was the player of the match for his two wickets and 17 runs.
Perth Scorchers in 2014-15
In the history of the BBL, the franchise Perth Scorchers is, by far, the most successful team as they have lifted the title multiple seasons. After winning the trophy in 2013-14, Perth Scorchers again won the trophy with some dominant performances. Chasing a modest target of 148 runs in the finals against the Sydney Sixers, it was a thriller of a match. Scorchers chased the target in the last ball of the match. Shaun Marsh again played a terrific hand of 73 runs in just 59 balls, and at the end, Nathan Coulter-Nile hit a crucial six, which proved to be the difference.
Sydney Thunder in 2015-16
In the year 2015-16, Sydney Thunder won the celebrated League for the first time in the BBL. After electing to field first against the Melbourne Stars, the Thunder restricted the Stars to a score of 176 runs with the loss of 9 wickets. Kevin Pietersen from the Melbourne Stars played a brilliant hand of 74 runs in just 39 balls. Coming into the chase, the Sydney Thunder won the match by three wickets to create history. Aussie International and opener Usman Khawaja set the stage with a magnificent 70 in just 40 balls, then at the end cameos from Aiden Blizzard and Chris Green won it for the Sydney Thunder.
Perth Scorchers in 2016-17
In the 2016-17 season, the Perth Scorchers won their third BBL trophy. Playing their last match at the WACA ground, the Perth Scorchers couldn't have asked for a better ending as they won the BBL trophy by beating the Sydney Sixers. Chasing a target of 142 runs, the Scorchers reached the target comprehensively after losing just one wicket and in 15.5 overs to create history. The opening duo of Sam Whiteman and Michael Klinger had a magnificent opening stand of 75 runs. Michael Klinger remained not out with 71 runs in just 49 balls to steer Perth Scorchers home.
Adelaide Strikers in 2017-18
Adelaide Strikers won its first title in the year 2017-18 under the captaincy of Australian superstar Travis Head. Having decided to bat first against the Hobart Hurricanes, the Adelaide Strikers posted a big total of 202 runs, losing only two wickets. Head’s opening partner Jake Weatherald scored a magnificent hundred of 115 runs in just 70 balls, where he destroyed the Hurricanes bowlers all around the park to post this massive total on the board. Posting a big total in the finals always puts pressure on the opposition. And that’s what happened with Hobart Hurricanes as they only managed to score 177 runs with the loss of five wickets. George Bailey and Darcy Short scored 46 runs and 68 runs, respectively, but that too went in vain as Strikers won the final by 25 runs to win its maiden title.
Melbourne Renegades in 2018-19
Melbourne Renegades won its first title in the year 2018-19, defeating the Melbourne Stars in the finals. Opting to bat first in the final, the Renegades posted a moderate target of 145 runs with the loss of five wickets. Though the openers and the middle order didn’t give a good start but Tom Cooper and Dan Christian, coming lower down the order, played a good hand of 43 not out and 38 not out respectively and steered to a respectable total for the Renegades. Coming into bowl, the Renegades restricted the Stars to a total of 132 runs for the loss of seven wickets. The likes of Chris Tremain and Cameron Boyce bowled brilliantly and picked up two wickets each to win the maiden title for Melbourne Renegades.
Sydney Sixers in 2019-20
After winning the inaugural title in 2011, the Sydney Sixers had to wait another nine years for their second BBL title. It was a rain-curtailed game in the final as it was reduced to 12 overs per side. Sixers skipper Moises Henriques decided to bat after winning the toss against the Melbourne Stars, and they posted a competitive score of 116 runs with the loss of five wickets. Young opener Josh Philippe continued his good form in the tournament and set the tempo with a quick-fire 52 in just 29 balls. Coming into the bowling, the Sixers bowlers restricted the Stars to only 97 runs with the loss of six wickets to win the title for the Sixers franchise.
Sydney Sixers in 2020-21
After a long drought, the Sydney Sixers won back-to-back BBL titles in 2020 and in the 2021 season. In this final too, Moises Henriques won the toss and decided to bat first, and the Sixers posted a solid total of 188 runs with the loss of six wickets. English batsman and opener James Vince played an exceptional knock of 95 runs in just 60 balls and helped the Sixers to post this total. In the second innings, the Sixers had restricted the Perth Scorchers to a total of 161 runs with the loss of 9 wickets. Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, and Jackson Bird were the picks among the bowlers for the Sydney Sixers.
Perth Scorchers in 2021-22
Perth Scorchers won their fourth BBL trophy in the year 2021-22. Playing against the Sydney Sixers, the Scorchers captain Ashton Turner decided to bat first, and the Perth team posted a good total of 171 runs with the loss of six wickets. Skipper Turner and Laurie Evans played magnificently and scored 54 runs and 76 runs, respectively, to help the Perth franchise post this total. Coming into bowl, the Scorchers bowlers bowled brilliantly as the Sydney Sixers were bundled out for 92 runs. Andrew Tye and Jhyle Richardson broke the back of the Sixers’ batting unit as they took 3 wickets and 2 wickets each, respectively.
Perth Scorchers in 2022-23
Again in the year 2022-23, Perth Scorchers won the BBL trophy with a clinical performance throughout the season. Playing in the finals against the Brisbane Heat, the Heat posted a good total of 175 runs with the loss of seven wickets. The likes of Jason Behrendorff and Mathew Kelly bowled brilliantly for Perth Scorchers as they took two wickets each. Coming into the chase, the Scorchers won it in the last over, with Ashton Turner leading from the front. Coming into bat at number 5, the skipper scored a quickfire 53 runs in just 32 balls where he hit five beautiful boundaries and two humongous sixes to help his team to win the all important match. The opening pair started steadily giving a 32 runs stand. Cooper Connolly gave the perfect finishing act as he scored a blistering knock of 25 in just 11 balls hitting two monstrous sixes and a boundary to get the job done.
Brisbane Heat in 2023-24
Brisbane Heat broke the 11-year-old trophy drought after they had beaten the Sydney Sixers in the finals of the 2023-24 BBL. The Brisbane Heat opted to bat and scored a moderate total of 166 runs with the loss of eight wickets. Coming into bowl, the Brisbane Heat bowled brilliantly as the Sixers were bowled out for 112 runs. Left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson bowled a fine spell as he ended up picking four wickets for 26 runs.
Hobart Hurricanes in 2024-25
Hobart Hurricanes are the defending champions of the BBL as they won their maiden title last year in the 2024-25 season. Batting first, the Brisbane Heat posted a big total of 201 with the loss of six wickets. The chase was stiff, but the Hobart Hurricanes managed to chase down the total. Opener Caleb Jewell and Mitchell Owen started brilliantly and scored the joint fastest century in 39 balls. He reached his hundred inside 10 overs with 11 huge sixes. At the end Nikhil Chaudhary’s cameo helped the Hobart team to win its first title.
Big Bash League Awards Till Now
Most Runs
After the IPL, the Big Bash is one of the most competitive leagues around the world. As far as the most runs in the BBL is concerned, Travis Birt scored the most runs in the inaugural season of 2011-12 playing for the Perth Scorchers. He has played in a total of eight matches and scored 345 runs with a brilliant average of 43.12. In the 2012-13 season, Shaun Marsh, the experienced Australian International, was the highest run scorer with 412 runs playing for the Perth Scorchers. In the 2013-14 season, Ben Dunk was the highest run scorer with 395 runs playing for the Hobart Hurricanes, and later he was named the Player of the Tournament in that season. Michael Klinger scored the most runs in the 2014-15 season with 326 runs playing for the Perth Scorchers.
Most Wickets
As far as the most wickets are concerned, Pakistani-born bowler Naved-ul-Hasan playing for the Hobart Hurricanes took the most wickets in the inaugural season as he took 15 wickets. In the 2012-13 season, Aussie Pacer Ben Laughlin took the most wickets with 14 wickets. Then in the 2013-14 season and in 2014-15 season, Cameron Gannon and John Hastings took 18 wickets and 16 wickets respectively.
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