PM Modi on Australia tour announces Big Bash League's season opener to be played in India

In a major development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his Australia tour, came forward and announced that the BBL’s (Big Bash League) upcoming season opener clash will be played in India. In what is being claimed as a historic move, this will be the first-ever BBL game to be played outside of Australia. 

The game will see Melbourne Renegades taking on Perth Scorchers at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on December 12 in the opening game of the BBL 16. Interestingly, the game is being seen as a one-off event and has the complete backing of the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) as well. The game will begin at 2:40 PM IST, after day 4 of the opening Test between Australia and New Zealand in



Perth.

It is worth noting that the fixture was jointly announced by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PM Modi during the latter’s visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 10th. The move has also received backing from the governments of both countries in a bid to strengthen sporting ties between Australia and India. 

"Stepping into the MCG evokes two simultaneous emotions for any Indian. First, the thrill of an India-Australia match and second, the realisation that, in both our nations, cricket is not merely a sport but a shared passion. Yet, today, there is no pressure of a 'last-over finish.' Instead, there is only the joy of the game, the warmth of our friendship, and the energy of future champions,” PM Modi said.