The Twenty20 Big Bash League from Australia, the first international cricket league to compete in the sizable Indian market, will start in Chennai this year.
As part of a larger plan to improve collaboration between the two nations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the historic declaration on Friday while in Melbourne.
On December 12, the Melbourne Renegades will play the reigning champions Perth Scorchers at MA Chidambaram Stadium in front of one of the most fervent cricket fans in the world.
“Australia and India are united by our love and passion for sport. I am excited to expand cooperation with India on sport, which not only brings joy to Australians but boosts trade, tourism and investment,” AFP quoted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as saying.
The game will serve as the focal point of a week-long celebration known as “G’day Namaste,” which will take place throughout India in December and include Australian economic, cultural, and sporting events.
“I am confident that just like in sports, our partnership too will become a champion in every field,” Modi said in a joint appearance with Albanese at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Ticket sales and other commercial arrangements pertaining to the BBL match are still pending.
“We know they’re incredibly passionate cricket fans all over India, but particularly in Chennai. Everyone we’ve spoken to has been really optimistic that we should expect a good crowd,” Cricket Australia’s BBL chief Alistair Dobson told reporters.
This will be the first BBL match held outside of Australia.
“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,” said West Australia cricket chief John Stephenson.
