Cricket Australia is looking to expand the Big Bash League (BBL) by allowing teams from Southeast Asia to join in the future.
Global expansion has become a buzz-phrase in numerous other leagues and sports worldwide including football and rugby league.
For example, the English Premier League has become a global behemoth on the back of international broadcast deals and clubs embarking on overseas tours.
Outgoing Cricket Australia chief executive officer Nick Hockley recently disclosed they are exploring several possibilities as they strive to grow the BBL.
“We are doing a bunch of work on what that could look like right now, whether that’s teams in New Zealand or even broader pan Asia,” Hockley said.
“I feel that the Big Bash can and should be the out-and-out second biggest T20 league in the world. The IPL is just an absolute powerhouse.”
Singapore and Malaysia could be the first additions to the BBL. There are several reasons to consider bringing Singapore into the fold.
It has become a massive hub for cricket. Singapore’s National Stadium is a world-class 55,000-seat arena capable of hosting any high-profile fixture from football to rugby and cricket.
Malaysia is also an exciting option. The country with a population of over 34.31 million people has been growing its interest in cricket, and they are a market to consider.
No formal discussions have taken place, but Hockley is a big believer in engaging with these regions. There are potential advantages to the idea if a successful business case can be formulated.
“It depends on a range of stuff,” he added. “Do those geographies bring new players? Do they bring new fans? And is there a market for it?
“Clearly, the NRL (National Rugby League) has made that decision that there are. We are seeing this play out with India. There is that almost soft diplomacy element, bringing people and countries together.
“I think in Asia-Pacific, or with Oceania competitions, people are coming together more and more. So, it’s certainly something that we’ll continue to explore.”
The BBL is seemingly taking a leaf out of the NRL’s books after they successfully spread their wings through bold international moves.
The 2025 NRL season will kick off with a massive event in Las Vegas as the league continues to establish roots in the United States.
The NRL has sealed exciting partnerships with companies such as JD Sports, and this strategy has been excellent for attracting new investors and fans.
Over 40,000 fans attended the first edition last year, and more are expected to turn out in 2025 after being thoroughly thrilled.
Additional fixtures have been added, with English Super League teams set to compete. Women’s test matches are also being introduced as the NRL looks to broaden its global appeal.
Expanding its horizons will be transformative for Cricket Australia, especially for its relationship with the betting industry.
Pushing into new regions increases and diversifies competition. The BBL will become more exciting and gripping with new rivalries, stories and narratives, factors that drive wagering.
With PayPal betting sites in Australia becoming more popular, punters will have more convenient and secure options for staking their bets.
Variety is critical for betting platforms, and expanding the BBL would naturally generate more interest in betting, translating into additional revenue for the league.
However, expanding overseas is not as easy as it sounds. The BBL has a tight schedule to adhere to, making it hard to fit international teams into the gaps.
There are also logistical issues to consider. Expansion requires massive capital outlay to establish new teams and market the league in the new regions.
However, even though the challenges can appear to be daunting, the potential rewards at the end of the line will make all the effort worthwhile.
Southeast Asia is hungry for more cricket, and engaging with this market can help the BBL tap into new fanbases and revenue streams.
Singapore is situated perfectly and has the necessary infrastructure, making it an ideal starting point for any expansion efforts. It is close to Australia, potentially eliminating the logistical challenges.
