Perth Scorchers set for historic Chennai Clash

In a landmark moment for the Big Bash League and for Australian cricket, the Scorchers will open the KFC BBL|16 season at the iconic M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, taking on the Melbourne Renegades before one of global cricket’s most passionate audiences.

It is the first time the Big Bash has launched outside Australia, with the match poised to be the most-watched game in the history of Australian domestic league sport.

Seven Network and Fox Cricket will broadcast live from the venue, while JioStar will carry the match to millions of Indian viewers.

The fixture is supported by the Australian Government and the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) through a Maitri grant, forming the centrepiece of the G’day Namaste program and underscoring the broader cultural and diplomatic significance of the occasion. The Maitri program aims to strengthen ties between Australia and India through education, research and policy collaboration.

The Scorchers arrive in Chennai as defending champions, having claimed a record-extending sixth KFC BBL title to become the most successful cricketing franchise in the world.

Meantime, Scorchers Members and fans will still enjoy a full suite of five regular season home games at Optus Stadium across the summer, with the Renegades named as hosts of the landmark Chennai contest. 

The match will take place on Saturday 12 December and commence at 5:10pm AWST. 

The full KFC BBL|16 schedule will be announced in coming weeks.

WA Cricket CEO John Stephenson said Perth's involvement in the fixture was a monumental moment for the Club.

“This is a genuinely historic moment for Perth Scorchers and for cricket in Western Australia. India is the heartland of global cricket, and bringing the Scorchers to that audience is an opportunity we have embraced wholeheartedly.

“We have players who already resonate deeply with Indian fans throughout their Indian Premier League experiences, and this fixture gives the whole Club an invaluable chance to connect with millions of new supporters.

“Protecting our home schedule, however, was a priority. We head to Chennai with excitement, and come home to the full suite of five regular season home games our Members and fans deserve.” 

Perth Scorchers General Manager Kade Harvey said the playing group would embrace the opportunity to play in the historic match. 

“Our players have always thrived on the biggest stages, and it does not get much bigger than this. To open the season in front of what could be the most-watched game in the history of Australian domestic sport is an incredible privilege, and one the group will embrace.

“Equally important to us is that we return home with a strong footprint at Optus Stadium, a ground where we have played some of the best cricket in this competition’s history.

“Keeping that competitive advantage is central to how we defend our title, and planning is well underway for another exciting campaign.” 

MATCH DETAILS:
Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers
Saturday 12 December. First ball 2:40pm local/5:10pm WST
M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
LIVE: Seven, Fox Cricket