With the M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai or Chepauk locked in as the venue for the opening match of the 2026-27 season of the Big Bash League (BBL), there are decent chances of an Indian Premier League (IPL) fixture being held in Australia too. With cricket becoming a solid platform to deepen India-Australia ties, it could further sharpen if the BCCI officially approves an IPL fixture to be held Down Under.
Will an IPL match officially take place in Australia?
In one of the biggest announcements in recent times, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi made an appearance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to announce the BBL 2026-27 opener in Chennai, with multiple time champions Perth Scorchers taking on the Melbourne Renegades. The match is scheduled for December 12, immediately after the conclusion of play on day four of the first Test between Australia and New Zealand in Perth. It also promises to be one of the most-viewed domestic match in Australian sporting history. Modi said, as quoted by cricket.com.au:
“For any sporting league, staging an event in India guarantees tremendous reach and viewership. I am delighted that a Big Bash League match will be held in Chennai. India will host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and we are also making every effort to host the Olympic Games in 2036 (after) Brisbane in 2032. Preparing for these global sporting events will require the creation of sports infrastructure on a massive scale. This means that in the years ahead, we will have many opportunities to learn from one another and work together.”
According to The Sydney Morning Herald’s sources, there have been private talks about the biggest T20 league, IPL, to travel to Australia. Nevertheless, it could take years for the prospect to materialise, given the fanbase the lucrative tournament possesses in India.
Who are the defending champions ahead of 2026-27 Big Bash League?
Perth Scorchers are the defending champions, having beaten the Sydney Sixers in the previous edition for a record 6th title. With Mitchell Marsh as captain and having played plenty of cricket in India, they will fancy beating the Renegades at the Chepauk.
