The Big Bash League (BBL) and the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) are setting their sights on signing more Indian players for the upcoming season. This move is aimed at tapping into the massive Indian cricket fanbase to boost viewership and audience engagement.
Why Target Indian Players?
- India is a key market in the cricketing world, and matches featuring Indian players tend to draw higher viewership.
- In the past, top Indian women cricketers like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Richa Ghosh have participated in the WBBL, bringing in significant audience numbers.
- Although Indian men’s cricketers are not allowed to play in overseas T20 leagues unless they retire from international cricket, this rule does not apply to Indian women cricketers, allowing them to participate in global leagues like the WBBL.
Increased Viewership in India
- Alistair Dobson, General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, mentioned the significant growth in global viewership, particularly in India, due to a new media rights deal.
- Matches featuring Indian players, both men and women, have consistently enjoyed higher viewership.
Impact of Indian Commentators
- The inclusion of popular Indian commentators like Harsha Bhogle and Ravi Shastri in the BBL commentary team has also been a strategic move to attract Indian audiences.
- Dobson highlighted that these commentators bring expertise and interest to the game, further enhancing the league’s appeal.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Influence
- Dobson expressed his gratitude for Indian players like Harmanpreet Kaur, who played for the Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL, contributing leadership and skill to the competition.
- The leagues continue to work closely with other cricket boards to grow the competition and make it more accessible.
WBBL 2024 Schedule
- The upcoming season of WBBL will kick off on October 27, 2024, with Adelaide Strikers facing Brisbane Heat.
- The tournament will span over a month, culminating in the final on December 1, 2024.
This focus on Indian players and commentators reflects a broader strategy to engage the vast and passionate cricket audience in India, ensuring the continued growth and popularity of both the BBL and WBBL.