The Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) are intensifying efforts to attract a larger Indian audience by incorporating more Indian players into their ranks. This strategic move comes as the leagues have witnessed a significant rise in viewership from India, largely due to a new media rights deal that has expanded the leagues’ presence in the cricket-crazy nation.
Alistair Dobson, General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, highlighted this growing interest from Indian viewers during a recent statement. “We had a significant increase in our audiences globally this year, particularly in India off the back of our new media rights deal, which has shown significant growth in the viewership,” Dobson said. The surge in viewership has positioned India as a key market for both BBL and WBBL, prompting the leagues to explore more ways to engage this fan base.
One of the successful strategies implemented last season was the inclusion of prominent Indian cricket commentators like Ravi Shastri and Harsha Bhogle. Their involvement not only brought expert insights to the commentary box but also resonated well with Indian fans. “It was amazing to have those guys commentating the BBL. They bring such expertise and interest to our game, and from all reports, they really loved what they saw. We’re hoping to see a few global commentators out here again this summer, especially with a big international summer ahead,” Dobson mentioned.
However, the BBL and WBBL are not stopping at just commentary. The leagues are keen on attracting more Indian cricket talent, particularly for the WBBL, which has already seen Indian stars like Harmanpreet Kaur make a significant impact. “We’re very fortunate in the WBBL to have had Indian players like Harmanpreet Kaur for the (Melbourne) Renegades, who bring not just skill but also leadership and capability,” Dobson said.
The potential inclusion of more Indian players could be a game-changer for the BBL and WBBL, helping to further cement the leagues’ popularity in India. “We’re always working closely with other boards around the world on how we can grow our competition and make it as accessible as possible, and that won’t stop,” Dobson added.
As cricket leagues around the world continue to evolve, the Big Bash’s focus on the Indian market could set a new standard for international competitions looking to tap into the enormous cricket fanbase in India. This approach not only promises to elevate the profile of the leagues but also brings exciting opportunities for Indian cricketers to showcase their talent on a global stage.
