Big Bash League
With next season’s draft around the corner, SportsBoom has looked at the Big Bash League, which teams take part, star players, and all the details T20 cricket fans need to know.
What is the Big Bash League?
The Big Bash League (BBL) is Australia’s premier T20 competition, ranked as one of the top 20-over tournaments in global cricket. With the 14th season having concluded in early 2025, Cricket Australia has organised the event, generally scheduled around December-January, to focus on family engagement, exhilarating action, and intriguing innovations. The final of this year’s edition took place on January 27, 2025, with Hobart Hurricanes defeating Sydney Thunder to claim their first title.
Big Bash Teams: Which Teams Are Participating?
Perth Scorchers - the BBL’s most successful franchise has won the title five times (2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2016/2017, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023) and has made the knockout stages in all but three editions
Sydney Sixers - another highly-rated team with three BBL trophies (2011/2012, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021) who also have an equally impressive resume when it comes to advancing from the group stages
Brisbane Heat - a two-time league winner (2012/2013 and 2023/2024) with one of the top BBL success rates, despite having only made the knockout phase five times
Hobart Hurricanes - the franchise finally reached the pinnacle in the latest season (2024/2025) after seven appearances in the second round of the BBL
Melbourne Renegades - having risen to the top once (2018/2019), the team has struggled for consistency but has made their limited time in the knockout stage count
Adelaide Strikers - another team with a mixed BBL title record, having claimed the trophy one time (2017/2018) and a stark variance in overall results over the years
Sydney Thunder - with a 50-50 record when it comes to moving on from the BBL’s group stage, the franchise has claimed the title just one time (2015/2016)
Melbourne Stars - having never claimed the Big Bash League title, the team has earned an unfortunate reputation for coming close and falling short each time.
Star Players to Watch
Mitchell Owen
Hobart Hurricanes benefited greatly from Mitchell Owen’s destructive form in the recent season, including a record-equalling century from just 42 balls against Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League 2024/2025 final.
Jason Behrendorff
While perennial contenders Perth Scorchers missed out on the second phase, this did not stop Jason Behrendorff from claiming the prize for the most wickets in the latest season. His 17 dismissals were a huge benefit for his franchise, who failed to capitalise on his efforts.
Steve Smith
The Australian veteran played a central role for Sydney Sixers in the recent campaign, setting the highest individual score with his 121 not out against Perth Scorchers. Unfortunately, this could not stop his team from a four-wicket defeat against city rivals Sydney Thunder in the Challenger.
Big Bash League Venues
The 2024/2025 edition of the BBL was hosted in 11 venues across Australia:
Melbourne Cricket Ground: perhaps one of the country’s most famous grounds, the MCG is the home ground of Melbourne Stars and is also the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere
Optus Stadium: home to Perth Scorchers, the stadium is hailed for its innovation and unique features, such as a retractable roof and viewing platform, and is able to host both cricket and Australian rules football matches
Adelaide Oval: the staging ground of Adelaide Strikers, the venue has aimed to preserve the ground’s historic character, including the iconic fig trees on The Hill at the northern section
Sydney Cricket Ground: a home venue for Sydney Sixers, the SCG boasts a blend of classic and modern architecture, including the Members’ Pavilion (dating back to the Victorian Era)
The Gabba: the headquarters of Brisbane Heat, the iconic stadium is also one of Australia’s oldest, with cricket, Australian rules football and rugby matches being held here.