Big Bash League

The Big Bash League is Australia's franchise T20 competition, played through the Australian summer with eight city-based teams. Live scores appear here during the season.

December to late January.

Teams

  • Adelaide Strikers (Adelaide Oval)
  • Brisbane Heat (The Gabba, Brisbane)
  • Hobart Hurricanes (Bellerive Oval, Hobart)
  • Melbourne Renegades (Marvel Stadium, Melbourne)
  • Melbourne Stars (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
  • Perth Scorchers (Perth Stadium)
  • Sydney Sixers (Sydney Cricket Ground)
  • Sydney Thunder (Sydney Showground Stadium)

How the BBL works

Eight teams play a 40-match league stage, ten games each, followed by a four-match finals series for the top four (the format since 2023-24; from 2019-20 to 2022-23 five teams made the finals). The finals reward the top two: first plays second in the Qualifier, with the winner going straight to the final. Third plays fourth in the Knockout, the Knockout winner meets the Qualifier loser in the Challenger, and the Challenger winner reaches the final. The league has also experimented with rule changes: the Power Surge, a two-over batting powerplay the batting side can call after the tenth over, is still used, while the X-Factor substitute and Bash Boost bonus point were trialled for two seasons and dropped in 2022. From BBL|16 in 2026-27, sides may also name a designated batter, who bats but does not field or bowl, and a designated fielder, who fields (and may keep wicket) but does not bowl.

History

The BBL replaced the state-based KFC Twenty20 Big Bash in 2011-12, splitting Sydney and Melbourne into two franchises each. Perth Scorchers have been the most successful side, with six titles to 2025-26, and the Sydney Sixers won the first title. Home grounds range from the 100,000-capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground to Hobart's compact Bellerive Oval, which makes venue a real factor in team strategy.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Power Surge in the BBL?

A two-over period the batting side can choose to take at any point from the 11th over onwards, during which only two fielders may be outside the 30-yard circle. It replaces the last two overs of the traditional six-over powerplay, which is shortened to four.

How many teams make the BBL finals?

Four, since the 2023-24 season. The Qualifier, Knockout, Challenger and Final decide the champion, with the top two sides given a second chance. From 2019-20 to 2022-23 the finals series had five teams.

Facts on this page were last checked on 24 October 2026. If something is out of date, tell us.