The excitement is building as Cricket Australia (CA) has announced the schedule for the Big Bash League (BBL) Season 14. Set to bring thrilling cricket action to fans across the country, the season will be held from December 2024 to January 2025.

Schedule overview

The BBL Season 14 will feature a total of 44 matches, which is 17 fewer than the previous edition. This streamlined schedule aims to maintain the intensity and quality of the competition. The regular season is set to begin on December 15 and will run until January 19.

See Also: Cricket world pays tribute to James Anderson on his retirement from Test cricket

Following this, the finals series, known for its nail-biting encounters, will commence on January 21 and conclude with the grand final on January 27, a national public holiday in Australia.

• Regular Season Start: December 15, 2024
• Regular Season End: January 19, 2025
• Finals Series: January 21 – January 27, 2025

Opening matches

The BBL 14 season kicks off with a bang at Optus Stadium where the Perth Scorchers will face the Melbourne Stars. The excitement continues with the Sydney Sixers hosting the Melbourne Renegades in the second match of the tournament on Monday, December 16. These opening matches set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season.

Double headers

Six double headers are scheduled throughout the season, providing fans with back-to-back cricket action. These matches are a highlight for cricket enthusiasts, offering a feast of cricket in a single day. The double headers are strategically placed to maximize viewership and ensure that fans get the most out of their BBL experience.

Impact of India vs Australia Test series

The upcoming season will coincide with the prestigious India vs Australia Test series, also known as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. During this period, 14 BBL matches will be held. However, the BBL may potentially feature returning Australian Test players after the series concludes on January 7. This overlap adds an extra layer of excitement as fans can expect some of their favorite Test players to make a comeback in the BBL.

The BBL matches will be held across various iconic venues in Australia, including:

• Optus Stadium
• Melbourne Cricket Ground
• Marvel Stadium
• Sydney Cricket Ground
• ENGIE Stadium

This geographic spread ensures that fans from different regions can witness the action live, promoting a nationwide celebration of cricket.

Full schedule in local time

Sunday, December 15, 2024 — Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars at Optus Stadium, 4:15PM

Monday, December 16, 2024 — Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades at the SCG, 7.15pm

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 — Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers at Manuka Oval, 7:15pm

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 — Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat at the MCG, 7:15pm

Thursday, December 19, 2024 — Melbourne Renegades vs Hobart Hurricanes at GMHBA Stadium, 7.15pm

Friday, December 20, 2024 — Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars at Adelaide Oval, 6.45pm

Saturday, December 21, 2024 — Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers at Blundstone Arena, 4pm

Saturday, December 21, 2024 — Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers at ENGIE Stadium, 7.15pm

Sunday, December 22, 2024 — Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba, 6.15pm

Monday, December 23, 2024 — Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers at Marvel Stadium, 7:15pm

Thursday, December 26, 2024 — Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars at the SCG, 6.05pm

Thursday, December 26, 2024 — Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat at Optus Stadium, 6:15pm

Friday, December 27, 2024 — Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes at Adelaide Oval, 6:45pm

Saturday, December 28, 2024 — Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder at Manuka Oval, 7:15PM

Sunday, December 29, 2024 — Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers at the Gabba, 6:15pm

Monday, December 30, 2024 — Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Renegades at ENGIE Stadium, 7:15PM

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 — Adelaide Strikers vs Perth Scorchers at Adelaide Oval, 6:45pm

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 — Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers, Blundstone Arena, 4pm

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 — Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars at the Gabba, 6:15pm

Thursday, January 2, 2025 — Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers at Marvel Stadium, 7:15pm

Friday, January 3, 2025 — Sydney Sixers vs Brisbane Heat at C.ex Coffs International Stadium, 6:05pm

Friday, January 3, 2025 — Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Thunder at Optus Stadium, 6.15pm

Saturday, January 4, 2025 — Melbourne Stars vs Melbourne Renegades at the MCG, 7:15pm

Sunday, January 5, 2025 — Hobart Hurricanes vs Adelaide Strikers at Blundstone Arena, 7:15pm

Monday, January 6, 2025 — Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder at the Gabba, 6.15pm

Tuesday, January 7, 2025 — Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades at Optus Stadium, 4.15pm

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 — Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes at ENGIE Stadium, 7:15pm

Thursday, January 9, 2025 — Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers at the MCG, 7:15pm

Friday, January 10, 2025 — Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder at Blundstone Arena, 7:15pm

Saturday, January 11, 2025 — Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers at the SCG, 4:45pm

Saturday, January 11, 2025 — Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat at Adelaide Oval, 7:30pm

Sunday, January 12, 2025 — Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars at Marvel Stadium, 7:15pm

Monday, January 13, 2025 — Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers at ENGIE Stadium, 7:30pm

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 — Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Renegades, Blundstone Arena, 7:30pm

Wednesday, January 15, 2025 — Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Sixers at Adelaide Oval, 7pm

Thursday, January 16, 2025 — Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes at the Gabba, 6.30pm

Friday, January 17, 2025 — Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder at the SCG, 7:15pm

Saturday, January 18, 2025 — Melbourne Renegades vs Brisbane Heat at Marvel Stadium, 5pm

Saturday, January 18, 2025 — Perth Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers at Optus Stadium, 5.15pm

Sunday, January 19, 2025 — Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes at the MCG, 7.15pm

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 — The Qualifier (TBC)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 — The Knockout (TBC)

Friday, January 24, 2025 — The Challenger (TBC)

Monday, January 27, 2025 — The Final (TBC)

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 — Reserve Day (TBC)

Rashid Khan, the star spinner from Afghanistan and a pivotal player for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL), faces an uncertain future. His concerns stem from repeated postponements and cancellations by Cricket Australia of their scheduled matches with Afghanistan, citing deteriorating conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan as the cause.

Rashid Khan’s Background

Rashid Khan has emerged as one of the most exciting and effective spin bowlers in the world of cricket. From his debut in 2015, Rashid’s career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric, highlighting his significant impact in T20 leagues around the globe, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the BBL.

See Also: [Watch] Ponting challenges his son to bowl against Tewatia before GT vs DC match

Afghanistan Cricket on the Rise

Despite the political and social challenges in Afghanistan, its cricket team has shown remarkable progress and resilience. Their performances in recent international fixtures, especially in limited-overs formats, have earned them respect and admiration on the global stage.

The Australia-Afghanistan Controversy

In March 2023, Australia withdrew from a planned one-off Test and a one-day international series against Afghanistan in the UAE. The official stance pointed to worsening conditions for women under Afghanistan’s current regime as the reason.

This decision by Cricket Australia has visibly upset Rashid, who values the competition and learning that comes from playing against top-tier cricket nations. He expressed his disappointment, stating it diminishes his and his countrymen’s contributions and opportunities.

Significance of Bilateral Series

Bilateral series are crucial for the growth and competitiveness of emerging cricket nations like Afghanistan. These matches provide invaluable experience and exposure that cannot be replicated in other formats or competitions.

Potential Consequences for BBL

Rashid’s potential departure from the BBL would be a significant blow to the league, given his popularity and skill level. This scenario underscores the broader implications of geopolitical issues on international sports leagues.

“It does hurt you. You do want to play against the best teams and that’s where your cricket is going to improve more and more. You only get the opportunity playing against them [Australia] in the World Cups, but not in bilateral series. You don’t want to play with my colleagues and you want to play with me. So what’s the difference? It means I’m putting my colleagues down as well. My country down as well,” he said.

The Strikers have a huge challenge here. For all their decent performances in the tournament, they now have the biggest task of beating the Perth Scorchers to keep their tournament alive. Perth Scorchers are easily the best side in the history of the tournament and they know how to make a mark when the going gets tough.

AS vs PS Match Details

Date: January 20th, 2024

Time:  2:10 PM IST

Venue: Perth Stadium

AS vs PS Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

AS vs PS Pitch Report

Perth could be better for sides batting second with the ball coming on better under lights.

AS vs PS Predicted Playing XI

PS Playing XI

Stephen Eskinazi, Sam Whiteman, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Liam Haskett Cooper Connolly, Nick Hobson, Ashton Agar, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Lance Morris

AS Playing XI

Matthew Short, D’Arcy Short, Jake Weatherald, Adam Hose, Thomas Kelly, Jamie Overton, Henry Thornton, Harry Nielson, David Payne, Cameron Boyce, Lloyd Pope

See Also: AB de Villiers backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in T20 World Cup 2024 – Cricket Winner

AS vs PS Key Players

Cameron Boyce

In Rashid Khan’s absence, Cameron Boyce has stepped up nicely. He played a crucial role in bringing the Strikers to the Knockouts and is doing a fine job in the middle overs, providing some valuable breakthroughs each game.

Jason Behrendorff

Jason Behrendorff can be pretty lethal up front. With some important passages of play coming up he could well set the tone early into the game and dictate terms if things go his way.

AS vs PS Match Tips

The Scorchers are handsome favorites with their ability to turn things their way in big games.

Match Prediction: Perth Scorchers Will Win the Match

Brisbane are continuing their turnaround from last season and are easily the most consistent side this season. They take on another side though that has been pretty good and is known for its consistently smooth performances in the tournament. Playoff games tend to become lotteries and both sides will have their task cut out looking for the small moments to take advantage of.

BH vs SS Match Details

Date: January 19th, 2024

Time:  2:10 PM IST

Venue: Carrara Oval

BH vs SS Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

BH vs SS Pitch Report

Carrara could be better for sides batting second with the ball coming on better under lights.

BH vs SS Predicted Playing XI

BH Playing XI

Josh Brown, Jimmy Peirson, Nathan McSweeney, Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Paul Walter, Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann

SS Playing XI

Daniel Hughes, Josh Phillipe, Kurtis Patterson, Moises Henriques, Jordan Silk, Jack Edwards, Hayden Kerr, Ben Dwarshius, Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Todd Murphy

See Also: AB de Villiers backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in T20 World Cup 2024 – Cricket Winner

BH vs SS Key Players

Josh Phillipe

In Vince’s absence, Josh Phillipe looks set to go back to the top. He had some of his most prolific seasons in the tournament batting as an opener and to go back to his old spot will be a pleasing promotion for him as he looks to set the tone in the upcoming game.

Spencer Johnson

Spencer Johnson continues to impress with his pace and has done a good job this season. He is among the wickets, which has helped his side largely, and will have a part to play in setting the tone in the playoffs.

BH vs SS Match Tips

Brisbane Heat are the more consistent side this season. Sydney Sixers though are a pretty competitive side at the big stage and could turn up with more intent in the Qualifier.

Match Prediction: Sydney Sixers Will Win the Match

Shaun Marsh gears up for his farewell as two sides who have had rather disappointing outings are into their final stages of the tournament.

ST vs MR Match Details

Date: January 17th, 2024

Time:  1:45 AM IST

Venue: Sydney Showgrounds Stadium

ST vs MR Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

ST vs MR Pitch Report

Canberra could be better for sides batting second with the ball coming on better under lights.

ST vs MR Predicted Playing XI

ST Playing XI

Cameron Bancroft, Alex Hales, Jason Sangha, Oliver Davies/ David Warner, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Zaman Khan, Tanveer Sangha

MR Playing XI

Joe Clarke, Quinton De Kock, Shaun Marsh, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Jonathan Wells, Mackenzie Harvey, Will Sutherland, Tom Rogers, Adam Zampa, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Peter Siddle

See Also: AB de Villiers backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in T20 World Cup 2024 – Cricket Winner

ST vs MR Key Players

David Warner

David Warner returns to the BBL and has a really small window to turn his franchise’s fortunes around. They have been pretty poor all tournament and are on their way out unless Warner can conjure something special.

Shaun Marsh

Shaun Marsh has called time on his career after a pretty decent season individually. He was pretty good in the shield and had a decent time in the ongoing tournament as well allowing him to go out strong.

ST vs MR Match Tips

Both sides have not really shown up this season and picking a favorite is a challenge. Sydney Thunder though may benefit with home advantage and some decent bowling performances in recent times.

Match Prediction: Sydney Thunder Will Win the Match

Two of the league’s more successful franchises get ready to face off once more before the Final stage of the tournament begins.

PS vs SS Match Details

Date: January 16th, 2024

Time:  2:10 PM IST

Venue: Perth Stadium

PS vs SS Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

PS vs SS Pitch Report

The Perth stadium is doing pretty well for the batters and could be a win the toss bat second kind of track.

PS vs SS Predicted Playing XI

PS Playing XI

Stephen Eskinazi, Sam Whiteman, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Laurie Evans, Cooper Connolly, Nick Hobson, Ashton Agar, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Lance Morris

SS Playing XI

James Vince, Josh Phillipe, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Jordan Silk, Jacke Edwards, Hayden Kerr, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshius, Todd Murphy, Steve O Keefe

See Also: AB de Villiers backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in T20 World Cup 2024 – Cricket Winner

PS vs SS Key Players

Andrew Tye

Andrew Tye continues to do well for the Scorchers. With his career hitting its twilight stages he has been growing as a bowler with new skills using his smarts to get past batters in the death.

Steve O Keefe

Steve O Keefe is another player who is hitting the end of his career and with other seniors calling it a day his days could be numbered as well. With his future uncertain he will be looking to stay strong and continue to battle hard.

PS vs SS Match Tips

Perth Scorchers are having a good run against the Sixers and with home advantage could back themselves to win here.

Match Prediction: Perth Scorchers Will Win the Match

David Warner’s return did not go as well as planned and Sydney Thunder are now well on their way out. Adelaide are still hanging in though and are closer than where they were a couple weeks ago to making the Finals.

ST vs AS Match Details

Date: January 15th, 2024

Time:  1:45 AM IST

Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra

ST vs AS Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

ST vs AS Pitch Report

Canberra could be better for sides batting second with the ball coming on better under lights.

ST vs AS Predicted Playing XI

ST Playing XI

Cameron Bancroft, Alex Hales, Jason Sangha, Oliver Davies/ David Warner, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Zaman Khan, Tanveer Sangha

AS Playing XI

Matthew Short, Chris Lynn, D’Arcy Short, Jake Weatherald, Adam Hose, Jamie Overton, James Bazley, Harry Nielsen, Wes Agar, Cameron Boyce, David Payne

See Also: AB de Villiers backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in T20 World Cup 2024 – Cricket Winner

ST vs AS Key Players

David Warner

David Warner returns to the BBL and has a really small window to turn his franchise’s fortunes around. They have been pretty poor all tournament and are on their way out unless Warner can conjure something special.

D’Arcy Short

D’Arcy Short has been getting some good starts in the tournament. His struggles against slower bowling persist but the initial stages of his innings continue to go strong.

ST vs AS Match Tips

Adelaide Strikers come in favorites after a strong turnaround in the previous game.

Match Prediction: Adelaide Strikers Will Win the Match

The Renegades take on the Stars at home. Both sides have not had the greatest of tournaments but the upcoming game will be very crucial for the Stars as they are close to making the top four and a win here could find them closer to the next round.

MR vs MS Match Details

Date: January 13th, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: Docklands Stadium, Melbourne

MR vs MS Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

MR vs MS Pitch Report

The Docklands track is likely to be fresh and will be good to bat on. Batting first though may be a better choice with tracks wearing at this stage of the season.

MR vs MS Predicted Playing XI

MS Playing XI

Sam Harper, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Thomas Rogers, Beau Webster, Imad Wasim, Jonathan Merlo, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Joel Paris

MR Playing XI

Joe Clarke, Quinton De Kock, Shaun Marsh, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Jonathan Wells, Mackenzie Harvey, Will Sutherland, Tom Rogers, Adam Zampa, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Peter Siddle

See Also: AB de Villiers backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in T20 World Cup 2024 – Cricket Winner

MR vs MS Key Players

Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell continues his good form. He was brilliant all-round in the previous game and with the form he has been in, the Melbourne Stars could be expecting him to carry them deep into the tournament.

Shaun Marsh

Shaun Marsh is a pretty well-known name in franchise Cricket and he looks set to stay. In his Final set of seasons he is going pretty strong, adapting to the needs of the game and is looking pretty impressive.

MR vs MS Match Tips

Melbourne Stars come in favorites after a strong turnaround in the previous game.

Match Prediction: Melbourne Stars Will Win the Match

Brisbane Heat managed a strong win with Michael Neser proving to be too good with an all-round show. His batting helps them improve on their overall depth as they look a really consistent side now despite the potential loss of Khawaja and Labuschagne for the upcoming game.

PS vs BH Match Details

Date: January 13th, 2024

Time:  10:45 PM IST

Venue: Perth Stadium

PS vs BH Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

PS vs BH Pitch Report

The Perth track has a light grass covering holding it together and should be good to bat on. Batting second will be a better option.

PS vs BH Predicted Playing XI

BH Playing XI

Josh Brown/ Usman Khawaja, Colin Munro, Nathan McSweeney/ Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw, Sam Billings, Paul Walter, Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann

PS Playing XI

Zak Crawley, Sam Whiteman, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Laurie Evans, Cooper Connolly, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Lance Morris

See Also: AB de Villiers backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in T20 World Cup 2024 – Cricket Winner

PS vs BH Key Players

Josh Inglis

Josh Inglis is now an Australian regular and is probably the best wicket-keeper in the country at the moment. He is solid in the middle order and a good tournament here could spice things up with a T20 World Cup selection.

Michael Neser

Michael Neser is stepping up as an all-rounder. He is doing a fine job and has absolutely dominated the previous fixture on his own. He is a player known for his consistency with the ball and now that with frequent contributions from the batting side too he is turning out to be a dangerous player in the line-up.

PS vs BH Match Tips

Brisbane won the first encounter between the two sides but Perth could take the next with home advantage on their side. Perth additionally is not a side that goes down easy and will be eager to settle the score soon. The winner here though could well determine who is favorites for the cup with the tournament drawing into its business end.

Match Prediction: Perth Scorchers Will Win the Match

The Sydney Derby comes with a lot of anticipation. Both David Warner and Steve Smith could feature in the upcoming game as opponents in a game which may not have much weightage considering the struggles of Sydney Thunder.

SS vs ST Match Details

Date: January 12th, 2024

Time:  1:45 PM IST

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground

SS vs ST Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

SS vs ST Pitch Report

The Sydney Cricket Ground is on the drier side and will be better for sides batting first with the ball likely to turn as it gets older.

SS vs ST Predicted Playing XI

ST Playing XI

Cameron Bancroft, Alex Hales, Jason Sangha, Oliver Davies/ David Warner, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Zaman Khan, Tanveer Sangha

SS Playing XI

Josh Phillipe, James Vince, Daniel Hughes/ Steve Smith, Moises Henriques, Jordan Silk, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshius, Jackson Bird, Steeve O Keefe

See Also: AB de Villiers backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in T20 World Cup 2024 – Cricket Winner

ST vs PS Key Players

James Vince

James Vince continues to do his magic for the Sixers. He has been a handy player for them in the last few seasons and is a BBL Stalwart now with consistent performances each season.

David Warner

David Warner returns to the BBL and has a really small window to turn his franchise’s fortunes around. They have been pretty poor all tournament and are on their way out unless Warner can conjure something special.

SS vs ST Match Tips

Sydney Sixers remain favorites unless David Warner can manage to carry his team over the line.

Match Prediction: Sydney Sixers Will Win the Match