Cricket fans across the world are getting ready for another exciting season! The Big Bash League is coming back with its 15th season, and everyone wants to know about the bbl schedule 2025-2026.
This fun and fast-paced T20 tournament has been entertaining cricket lovers since 2011, and this year promises to be even more exciting.
The BBL 2025-26 season will start on December 21, 2025, and end with the grand final on January 25, 2026. All eight teams will compete in 44 thrilling matches across different cities in Australia.
Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or someone who just enjoys watching exciting sports, this tournament has something for everyone.
Cricket Australia has already released the complete fixture list, making it easy for fans to plan their viewing schedule.
From the opening match between Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars to the showdown, every game will be packed with action.
The defending champions Hobart Hurricanes will try to keep their title, while other teams will fight hard to claim the trophy.
BBL Schedule 2025-26
This guide will help you understand everything about the upcoming season, including match timings, broadcast details, and how to get tickets.
BBL Schedule & Fixtures 2025-26
The Big Bash League 2025-26 features a complete round-robin format where each team plays against every other team. Some teams will even meet twice during the season, giving fans more chances to see their favorite rivalries.
Complete Match Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 21, 2025 | Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars | Optus Stadium, Perth |
| Dec 22, 2025 | Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |
| Dec 23, 2025 | Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers | Manuka Oval Stadium, Canberra |
| Dec 24, 2025 | Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
| Dec 26, 2025 | Melbourne Renegades vs Hobart Hurricanes | GMHBA Stadium, Geelong |
| Dec 26, 2025 | Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars | Adelaide Oval Stadium, Adelaide |
| Dec 27, 2025 | Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers | Blundstone Arena Stadium, Hobart |
| Dec 28, 2025 | Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder | ENGIE Stadium, Sydney |
| Dec 28, 2025 | Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers | The Gabba Stadium, Brisbane |
| Dec 29, 2025 | Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers | Marvel Stadium, Melbourne |
| Dec 30, 2025 | Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |
| Dec 30, 2025 | Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat | Optus Stadium, Perth |
| Dec 31, 2025 | Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes | Adelaide Oval Stadium, Adelaide |
| Dec 31, 2025 | Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars | Manuka Oval Stadium, Canberra |
Key Schedule Highlights
- Opening Match: Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars on December 21
- Total Matches: 44 regular season games
- Double Headers: Multiple matches on several days
- Holiday Fixtures: Special matches during Christmas and New Year
- Final Date: January 25, 2026
The schedule includes exciting weekend doubleheaders and ensures that every team gets to play both home and away matches. This gives fans across Australia the chance to watch live cricket in their local stadiums.
BBL Playoff and Challenger Fixture
The knockout stage of the BBL is always the most exciting part of the tournament. Only the top four teams from the regular season make it to the playoffs, where they fight for the ultimate prize.
Playoff Format
The playoff system works in a simple but thrilling way:
- Qualifier Match: 1st place team vs 2nd place team (January 21, 2026)
- Knockout Match: 3rd place team vs 4th place team (January 22, 2026)
- Challenger Match: Qualifier loser vs Knockout winner (January 23, 2026)
- Final Match: Qualifier winner vs Challenger winner (January 25, 2026)
How Teams Advance
First Route to Final: The team that wins the Qualifier match goes directly to the final. This gives the top two teams a big advantage for finishing high in the regular season.
Second Route to Final: The winner of the Knockout match gets another chance by playing the Challenger match. Even the 4th-place team can win the entire tournament if they perform well in the playoffs.
This format creates maximum excitement because any team that makes the playoffs has a realistic chance of becoming champion.
Timing of BBL 15 Matches
Match timings have been carefully planned to make it easy for fans to watch games. Cricket Australia has made special changes for the holiday season so families can enjoy cricket together.
General Timing Rules
- Single Match Days: Toss happens 30 minutes before the match starts
- Double Header Days: Each match has its own toss 30 minutes before start time
- Holiday Adjustments: Special timings during the Christmas and New Year period
- Time Zone Considerations: Different start times across Australian states
Holiday Season Changes
The tournament organizers understand that the holiday season is family time. That’s why they’ve adjusted match timings so people can:
- Attend family gatherings first
- Watch cricket afterward
- Enjoy both celebrations and sports
- Do not miss any important moments
This thoughtful scheduling means no one has to choose between family time and cricket time.
Big Bash League Format
The BBL format has remained consistent and exciting over the years. Understanding how it works helps fans appreciate the strategy and competition better.
Regular Season Structure
- Eight Teams compete in the league
- Round-Robin Format, where each team plays every other team
- Home and Away Matches for fair competition
- Points System determines playoff positions
What Makes BBL Special
The Big Bash League stands out because of:
- Fast-Paced T20 Format: Each match lasts about 3 hours
- Family-Friendly Entertainment: Music, fireworks, and fun activities
- Star International Players: World-class cricketers from different countries
- Local Australian Talent: Rising stars and experienced veterans
Playoff Qualification
Teams earn points throughout the regular season. The top four teams with the most points qualify for the playoffs. This creates intense competition right until the end of the regular season.
Big Bash League 2025-26 | BBL Squads
All eight teams return for the 15th season, each with strong squads filled with local and international talent.
The Eight Teams
- Adelaide Strikers
- Brisbane Heat
- Hobart Hurricanes (Defending Champions)
- Melbourne Renegades
- Melbourne Stars
- Perth Scorchers
- Sydney Sixers
- Sydney Thunder
Squad Building Process
Teams build their squads through:
- Direct Signings: Players who sign directly with teams
- BBL Draft: Where teams pick international and domestic players
- Overseas Player Slots: Each team can have a limited number of international stars
Notable Signing
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star batsman, will play his first BBL season with the Sydney Sixers. As the second-highest run scorer in T20 international history, his addition brings world-class talent to the tournament.
Big Bash Live Broadcast in India, Pakistan, USA, UK, Australia
Cricket fans around the world can watch BBL matches live through various broadcasters and streaming platforms.
Broadcast Partners by Country
Australia:
- Fox Sports: All 61 matches (16 exclusive)
- Seven Network: 44 matches
- SEN Radio: Live radio commentary
- Kayo Sports: Online streaming app
India:
- Sony TV: Live television coverage
- Sony LIV: Online streaming platform
United Kingdom:
- Sky Sports Cricket: Complete coverage
United States:
- Willow TV: All matches are broadcast
Other International Coverage
- Pakistan: Ten Sports
- New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ
- Middle East & North Africa: BeIN Sports
- Canada: CBN and ATN Cricket Plus
- South East Asia: Fox Sports Asia
- Caribbean: Sports Max
- Europe: LIVE Now streaming
This global coverage means BBL fans worldwide can enjoy every moment of the action.
How to Buy BBL Tickets?
Getting tickets to watch BBL matches live is easy.
Official Ticket Platform
- Ticketek Australia is the official ticket seller
- Online Purchase: Available 24/7 through their website
- Various Price Options: Different seating categories available
- Group Bookings: Special deals for families and large groups
Tips for Buying Tickets
- Buy Early: Popular matches sell out quickly
- Check Different Venues: Some stadiums offer better value
- Look for Packages: Season passes or multi-match deals
- Follow Teams: Official team pages announce special offers
Stadium atmosphere during BBL matches is incredible, with music, entertainment, and passionate fans creating an unforgettable experience.
FAQs on BBL Schedule 2025-26
- Will Babar Azam play BBL?
Yes, Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam will play his first BBL season with the Sydney Sixers.
- What month does BBL start?
BBL matches are played during the Australian summer, from December to February.
- How many matches will be in BBL 2025?
There will be 44 matches in the KFC BBL 2025-26 season.
- Who is the top batsman of BBL?
Chris Lynn holds the record as the best batsman in BBL history.
- Who is the best all-rounder in BBL?
Daniel Christian is considered the best all-rounder in BBL history.
- Who is the top bowler of BBL?
Sean Abbott is the leading bowler in BBL history.
- Who is the most successful BBL captain?
Aaron Finch is the most successful captain in BBL history.
- How many venues will host BBL 15?
There will be 11 venues hosting matches across Australia.
- Where will the BBL 15 final be played?
The final venue will be announced closer to the date in January 2026.
Also Check:
Conclusion:
The BBL Schedule 2025-26 promises another fantastic season of cricket entertainment.
Starting December 21, 2025, cricket fans will enjoy 44 exciting matches featuring the best players from around the world.
Whether you’re planning to watch at the stadium, on television, or through streaming platforms, this tournament offers something special for everyone.
The defending champions Hobart Hurricanes will face tough competition from seven other teams, all hungry for the title.
With star players like Babar Azam joining the league and comprehensive global broadcast coverage, this season is set to be bigger and better than ever.
Don’t miss out on the action! Mark your calendars, get your tickets, and prepare for an unforgettable cricket experience.
The Big Bash League 2025-26 is ready to deliver thrills, excitement, and world-class cricket entertainment.
