image - supplied/Ten
After upsetting many cricket fans in Queensland and South Australia last season, the Ten Network has confirmed supporters will get more prime-time cricket than ever before, with all 35 matches of the KFC Big Bash to be broadcast live into every state in 2015-16.
Cricket Australia has released a schedule that sees 35 matches played in 39 days. With four double-headers all to be broadcast in prime time, fans won’t miss a beat – with every game live and exclusive on TEN or ONE.
The 2015-16 season will see more concentrated action, with each of the eight clubs playing in four home and four away matches around the country, commencing with the Sydney Smash on Thursday, December 17, at Spotless Stadium.
The semi-finals will be played on Thursday, January 21, and Friday, January 22, with the highest finishing club to host the Big Final on Sunday, January 24, 2016.
WBBL Captains L-R Megan Schutt, Holly Ferling, Sarah Elliott, Ellyse Perry, Rene Farrell, Meg Lanning, Julie Hunter & Jess Cameron
image - supplied/Ten
As well as the Men’s league, Ten has confirmed it will broadcast eight matches of the inaugural Women’s Big Bash League, including the Final, live on ONE.
The eight-team Women’s Big Bash League is the first of its kind and the franchise-based Twenty20 tournament will be aligned with the existing KFC Big Bash League structure, adopting the same colours and team names.
The inaugural season will feature the best women’s players in the country including Ellyse Perry, Julie Hunter, Jess Cameron, Meg Lanning, Megan Schutt, Holly Ferling, Rene Farrell and Sarah Elliott, as well as some international players.
Network Ten Head of Sport, David Barham, said: “The KFC Big Bash League has been a great success for Network Ten, beating all ratings targets in years one and two.
“To have every match broadcast live around the country was a priority for 2015-16 and we are delighted that we have been able to achieve it. With even more high-profile players joining the competition this year, we are expecting a great summer.
“With every game played in prime time and almost no break between finals, fans can look forward to a jam-packed season. The KFC Big Bash League will undoubtedly be the most entertaining cricket to watch this summer,” he said.
The Ten commentary team will be back in business for the 2015-16 season, led by Mel McLaughlin and Adam Gilchrist AM, and including Ricky Ponting AO, Mark Waugh AM, Damien Fleming, Mark Howard and Andy Maher. More commentators will be announced over the next few months. The KFC Big Bash League debuted on free-to-air television in December 2013 and regularly achieves V ratings nine times greater than the A-League.
