It’s been the bugbear of Big Bash players and fans for the last few seasons and finally Cricket Australia has addressed a glaring issue.
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Instead of the 61 games played in recent seasons, there will be only 44 matches, with 40 home-and-away games plus four finals, with a start date yet to be confirmed.
The finals structure also remains up in the air but will be reduced by one game after five finals were played last season when the Perth Scorchers went on to seal the title.
Big Bash officials made the change to the number of games one year earlier than required, with the reduction a key feature of the seven-year broadcast deal that begins in 2024/25.
The shift was met with immediate approval from the Australian Cricketers Association on behalf of the players, acknowledging it could help get more of the best involved.
“The success of the BBL and WBBL has always come on the back of the players and the competition that creates,” the ACA’s Brendan Drew said.
“The ACA is supportive of CA’s decision to shorten the BBL, recognizing the flexibility it provides in attracting and retaining the best players.”
But the WBBL will remain the same length, with 59 games in the season, despite a possible clash with other competitions.
“A shortened BBL will allow us greater flexibility to ensure we can deliver the best possible fixture for clubs and fans while providing a platform that allows players to continue to produce the world-class levels of cricket we’ve seen over the duration of the tournament,” BBL boss Alastair Dobson said.
The Strikers celebrate their WBBL victory in 2022. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
“Whilst no changes have been made to the WBBL schedule, it’s vital that we make sure the tournament continues to be at the forefront of T20 leagues as the global women’s game continues to evolve at a rapid rate.
“As al league we’re always reviewing and looking at ways we can evolve, adapt and innovate, and as part of that, we’ll continue to consider the structure of the WBBL season.”
A week-long player retention window will begin for the first time on Monday, 15 May, allowing clubs the chance to re-sign up to 12 BBL and 10 WBBL players from their previous season’s primary lists, excluding overseas and local replacement players.
After that the trade period will begin.
In another change, clubs will be able to trade picks in any of the four rounds of the second overseas player draft, with a WBBL draft being held for the first time.