BBL-16 in Chennai: 5,000 tickets sold for historic season opener

The match will be played between Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers. | Photo Credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

Alistair Dobson, General Manager of the Big Bash Leagues, said 5,000 tickets have been sold for the BBL-16 season opener, which will be played at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on December 12.

It is the first time an overseas T20 league will play a match in India and is part of a week-long celebration of India-Australia ties.

“We know the BBL is already really popular in India. I think we were really optimistic when we put tickets on sale that that would translate into some sales, but it’s certainly exceeded our expectations,” said Dobson on the encouraging response to the opener that will feature Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers.

“It’s a great opportunity, not just for our league but for our clubs and importantly for our players to come and show just how good they are in arguably the biggest market in the world,” he added.

Dobson also promised fans will enjoy a unique experience. “I think the BBL offers something slightly different. We hear from our fans in India that they really want to experience it in person, the colour, noise, and music that comes with a BBL game. It’s a combination of taking our game to Chennai, but also having the clarity to bring a BBL experience,” said Dobson.