Big Bash back at the MCG as BBL|11 fixture confirmed

Cricket Australia has yesterday unveiled the fixture for the KFC BBL|11 season, with the MCG set to host six Melbourne Stars home matches this summer.

Commencing December 5, the 11th season of the competition comprises of a full home-and-away schedule this summer, allowing fans to watch their favourite clubs at their traditional homes should public health conditions allow.

For the first time since the fifth season of the Big Bash League, the MCG will host two matches ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

The MCG hosted six matches during last year’s BBL season, when Melbourne became a ‘hub’ for Big Bash clubs toward the end of the home-and-away season due to COVID-19.

This season, the home-and-away schedule – encompassing 56 games in 46 days – is set to conclude on January 19, with the MCG fixture highlights including the block buster Melbourne Derby on January 3, plus one of three matches being played on a ‘final day’ triple-header.

Click here to see the full KFC BBL|11 fixture

The five-match Finals series is scheduled to begin on Friday January 21, with The Eliminator, The Qualifier and The Knockout taking place across three consecutive nights. The Challenger follows on Wednesday, January 26, with The Final on Friday January 28, ensuring the Big Bash League finishes within the school holiday period.

This season’s Big Bash League promises extra incentive for local and international players with one eye towards the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, of which the MCG will host the tournament final.

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, said the League look forward to delivering a successful season and will continue to monitor the public health situation throughout the summer.

“The KFC BBL is ready to launch into our second decade with a schedule that takes the full allocation of home matches back to fans across the country,” Mr Dobson said.

“This season’s schedule features all the key components that makes the League Australia’s most exciting sports entertainment product, with blockbuster matches, big rivalries and passionate fans nationwide.”

Melbourne Cricket Club, manager of the MCG, CEO Stuart Fox said the venue was looking forward having fans back to enjoy the excitement of T20 cricket.

“We’re very excited to have Big Bash cricket back at the MCG this summer and with the aim of a having a full allocation of Melbourne Stars home games,” Mr Fox said.

“Big Bash fans in Melbourne were deprived much of their Big Bash cricket last season and with the T20 World Cup on the horizon, we anticipate this season to be hotly contested and look forward to some excellent MCG fixtures.”

Information regarding club memberships, ticket availability and access to MCC members will be released shortly.

KFC BBL|11 MATCHES AT THE MCG *

Friday December 10, 7:15pm AEDT – Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder
Wednesday December 15, 7:15pm AEDT – Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers
Monday January 3, 7:15pm AEDT – Melbourne Stars v Melbourne Renegades
Monday January 10, 2:10pm AEDT – Melbourne Stars v Adelaide Strikers
Sunday January 16, 7:40pm AEDT – Melbourne Stars v Brisbane Heat
Wednesday January 19, 7:50pm AEDT – Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes

*Matches and travel remain subject to any relevant government restrictions or requirements. CA reserves the right to change the KFC BBL|11 schedule.

Download the full fixture for the summer of cricket at the MCG 2021/22 here.