The Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) are making significant strides to capture the growing Indian cricket audience. Alistair Dobson, the General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, recently highlighted a remarkable increase in viewership from India, attributing this surge to a new media rights deal that has expanded the leagues’ reach in the subcontinent.
Surge in Indian Viewership
Dobson noted, “We had a significant increase in our audiences globally this year, particularly in India off the back of our new media rights deal, which has shown significant growth in the viewership.” This increase in interest from Indian fans is not just a statistic; it marks India as a key market for both the BBL and WBBL.
The leagues have strategically engaged Indian audiences by including prominent cricket commentators like Ravi Shastri and Harsha Bhogle in the previous season. “It was amazing to have those guys commentating the BBL. They bring such expertise and interest to our game, and from all reports, they really loved what they saw,” Dobson remarked. He expressed hopes of featuring more global commentators during the upcoming summer season, further enhancing the viewing experience.
Incorporating Indian Talent
The BBL and WBBL are also exploring the inclusion of more Indian players in their tournaments. Dobson highlighted the contributions of Indian cricketers in the WBBL, mentioning players like Harmanpreet Kaur, who has showcased her skills and leadership with the Melbourne Renegades. “We’re very fortunate in the WBBL that Indian players have been in our competition and had such skill and capability,” he stated.
The leagues are committed to working closely with cricket boards around the world to grow their competitions and make them more accessible to a broader audience. “We are always working closely with other boards around the world about how we can grow our competition and make it as accessible as possible, and that won’t stop,” Dobson added.
With the upcoming seasons on the horizon, the BBL and WBBL are poised to capitalize on this momentum, aiming to create an even more engaging experience for cricket enthusiasts in India and beyond.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram
