The 16th Big Bash League season will open with the Melbourne Renegades hosting the Perth Scorchers at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, marking the league’s first-ever match outside Australia.

This December opener will also be the season’s first outside Australia, highlighting a historic move to play in India with Indian broadcaster JioStar televising the game.

The December 12 fixture will kick off the season, with the Renegades designated as the home team as part of the schedule reshuffle that moves several games to the MCG this season.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other officials referenced political support for the venture during discussions surrounding the event.

Cricket legend Steve Waugh underscored the benefits of global exposure and cultural exchange from Australia’s cricket presence in India, echoing progress since the 1980s.

WA Cricket Chief Executive John Stephenson said the fixture offers a unique chance to engage Indian fans while ensuring the Scorchers retain a full five home games in Australia.

The India move aligns with Perth’s proximity to South Asia and follows WA Cricket’s ongoing pursuit of the historic fixture, a plan announced publicly in May.

All eight BBL clubs showed interest in the India fixture, with the Renegades as home team and the Scorchers chosen due to scheduling flexibility and Perth’s proximity to India.

Renegades’ new general manager Max Abbott described the move and cited last season’s 68,000 Melbourne derby attendance as a precedent for drawing large crowds at the MCG.

The announcement was made at a Melbourne Cricket Ground event attended by Australian Prime Minister Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Modi, signaling government-level backing for Australia-India cricket ties.

Pakistan-related participation remains constrained by regional rules, with Pakistani teams barred unless the tournament involves multiple countries.

Cricket Australia officials say the India venture aims to grow fan engagement, viewership, and private investment in BBL clubs, leveraging the Indian market.