“We’ve got interest from all different parts of the country”
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has revealed that there are plans to expand the Big Bash League (BBL), given how successful the tournament has been.
Originally launched in 2011, the BBL has become an increasing hit with the Australian public and cricket fans around the world and is currently in its sixth season.
Given how popular the BBL and Women’s Big Bash League has become, Sutherland pointed out that the competition’s reach can be expanded if they create teams in other parts of Australia.
“We’re delighted with the continued progression of the BBL, and indeed the Women’s Big Bash League as well, it got off to a great start a couple of weekends ago, and hopefully we’ll continue to see great crowds for that,” Sutherland told ABC Grandstand. “We’re really conscious of the way the Big Bash League has initially been designed and continues to be, bringing new people to the game, designed to complement, not compromise international cricket.
“We like the fact that people are very keen to have their own team and we’ve got interest from all different parts of the country; Gold Coast, Canberra, Geelong, Fremantle.
“I think our inclination is first we’ll probably expand the number of games before we expand the number of teams. But at the same time we do think it’s a mere formality at this stage that we will expand the competition.
“Other sports and other codes do that. We don’t feel the need to do that for the same strategic reasons as they do or have done, but at the same time we’ll carefully think that through and make sure we get it right.”
Sutherland was also questioned about the idea of holding games on Christmas Day, but while the 51-year-old confirmed it wouldn’t happen next year, he pointed out that it could be possible in the future.
“I’m not sure we’ll be ready for it then. (But) the more I think about it … then you see the next day the NBA and the audiences they get … I think the growing sentiment is that that’s a possibility,” he said. “We’d need to think about the right venue for it, and we also need to consult widely.
“We understand that it’s not just a narrow minded cricket decision. There’s a lot more to it than that. And we’ll think that through.
“But I think it is an opportunity and it would be a good thing for the game and for cricket fans around the country.”
When asked if teams would face issues while travelling if Christmas Day games were to go ahead, Sutherland said: “I think it’s also part of the job. The Australian cricket team come in a few days before Christmas and they’re here. I know in Women’s Big Bash League, our daughter, she was on a lunchtime flight to Sydney Christmas Day.”