The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) is set for its tenth season, but faces a challenge in attracting top overseas players due to its scheduling clash with the T20 World Cup. Despite this, the WBBL is aiming to be bigger and better than ever with a revamped format and increased use of technology.
WBBL 2024-2025: Shorter season
The WBBL has been trimmed to a 40-game season in an effort to reduce player workload. This will also allow for a higher proportion of games to be played in the evenings, potentially boosting viewership.
Overseas stars consider options
With the T20 World Cup ending just a week before the WBBL kicks off, some international players may be hesitant to commit to a full WBBL season. England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt is one such player who will not be participating this year.
Cricket Australia confident
Cricket Australia (CA) remains confident they will attract a strong pool of overseas talent despite the scheduling conflict. Nominations for the overseas draft are underway, with some clubs already signing players on multi-year deals.
More stadiums in WBBL
The WBBL’s stadium series is getting a boost this year, with matches planned for the Gabba, MCG, SCG, and Adelaide Oval. This follows the success of similar initiatives in other cricket leagues and aims to draw bigger crowds.
Technology enhances officiating
To improve on-field decision making, every WBBL match will now have a third umpire available to review close calls like run-outs and stumpings. Additionally, there will be an increase in matches with the Decision Review System (DRS) in place.
WBBL aims to capitalize on Test Match buzz
The final three days of the regular season will overlap with the Australia-India Test in Perth. A WBBL match at the WACA will be played right after the second day’s play, aiming to capitalize on the Test match crowd and promote the WBBL.
Full WBBL Fixture List Unveiled
The complete WBBL schedule is now available, with the season kicking off on October 27th. The finals are scheduled for December 1st, with a reserve day set for December 2nd.
With a revamped format, increased use of technology, and a focus on attracting big crowds, the WBBL is hoping to overcome the scheduling challenges and deliver another exciting season of cricket.
Full WBBL 2024-25 fixture list
October 27: Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat, Adelaide Oval (1.10pm)
October 27: Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers, Adelaide Oval (4.40pm)
October 27: Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars, WACA (5.30pm)
October 28: Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder, Blundstone Arena (6.10pm)
October 29: Sydney Sixers vs Adelaide Strikers, North Sydney Oval (6.10pm)
October 30: Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Renegades, Allan Border Field (6.10pm)
October 31: Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes, North Sydney Oval (7.15pm)
November 1: Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder, North Sydney Oval (3.45pm)
November 1: Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars, North Sydney Oval (7.15pm)
November 2: Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes, CitiPower Centre (11.30am)
November 2: Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers, CitiPower Centre (3.00pm)
November 3: Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes, CitiPower Centre (10.10am)
November 3: Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers, CitiPower Centre (1.40pm)
November 5: Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat, WACA (5.10pm)
November 6: Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers. Blundstone Arena (6.10pm)
November 7: Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat, WACA (2.05pm)
November 7: Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades. WACA (5.35pm)
November 8: Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers, CitiPower Centre (11.00am)
November 9: Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars, CitiPower Centre (3.00pm)
November 9: Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers, Gabba (6.15pm)
November 10: Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers, SCG (10.10am)
November 10: Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder, SCG (1.40pm)
November 11: Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Renegades, Karen Rolton Oval (5.40pm)
November 12: Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers, Drummoyne Oval (6.10pm)
November 13: Hobart Hurricanes vs Adelaide Strikers, Blundstone Arena (6.10pm)
November 14: Sydney Sixers vs Brisbane Heat, North Sydney Oval (3.30pm)
November 15: Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Thunder, MCG (3.45pm)
November 15: Melbourne Stars vs Melbourne Renegades, MCG (7.15pm)
November 16: Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes, Adelaide Oval (3.00pm)
November 17: Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat, Drummoyne Oval (1.55pm)
November 17: Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers, Drummoyne Oval (5.25pm)
November 19: Adelaide Strikers vs Perth Scorchers, Karen Rolton Oval (5.40pm)
November 20: Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars, Drummoyne Oval (6.10pm)
November 21: Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers, Blundstone Arena (3.45pm)
November 21: Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Renegades, Blundstone Arena (7.15pm)
November 22: Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars, Allan Border Field (7.10pm)
November 23: Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Thunder, CitiPower Centre (10.00am)
November 23: Perth Scorchers vs Hobart Hurricanes, WACA (5.30pm)
November 24: Melbourne Stars vs Adelaide Strikers, CitiPower Centre (10.00am)
November 24: Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers, Allan Border Field (7.05pm)
November 27: The Knockout
November 29: The Challenger
December 1: The Final (Reserve day December 2)
