Big Bash League Data | Cricket API by Sportmonks

Big Bash League history

The Big Bash League (BBL) is one of the world’s top Twenty20 cricket leagues, created by Cricket Australia in 2011. It replaced the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash and introduced eight city-based franchises, unlike its predecessor, which featured six state teams.

The league’s inaugural season ran in 2011–12. Since then, six of the eight franchises have lifted the trophy. The Perth Scorchers are the most successful team with four titles, followed by the Sydney Sixers with three. Brisbane Heat, Sydney Thunder, Adelaide Strikers, and Melbourne Renegades have also claimed championships.

The BBL is played during the Australian summer, across December, January, and February.

Big Bash League format

Since its early days, the BBL has followed a consistent format (with the exception of the inaugural season). Each team plays the others twice during the group stage, followed by a knockout finals series. The highest-ranked team from the regular season earns the right to host the final.

2021–22 season highlight
The Perth Scorchers claimed the title in the 2021–22 season, defeating the Sydney Sixers by 79 runs in a dominant final performance.

Seven-things-your-Cricket-Application-needs

BBL prize pool

Teams in the Big Bash League compete not just for glory, but for a substantial prize fund:

5th place: $20,000
Losing semi-finalists: $80,000 each
Runner-up: $260,000
Champion: $450,000

Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL)

Since the 2015–16 season, the WBBL has showcased elite-level women’s cricket with eight participating teams. The Sydney Sixers, Brisbane Heat, and Sydney Thunder currently share the record for most titles (two each).

Big Bash League teams

Eight dynamic franchises compete in the BBL, each with its own colours, history, and fanbase.

Adelaide Strikers
Based in Adelaide, the Strikers were founded in 2011 and claimed their first title in the 2017–18 season. They wear blue and play at the Adelaide Oval, which seats 53,583.

Brisbane Heat
Established in 2011, Brisbane Heat won the title in the 2012–13 season. Their home ground is The Gabba (42,000 capacity), and they’re known for their teal kits.

Hobart Hurricanes
Representing Hobart, the Hurricanes play in purple and are still chasing their first title. Home matches are held at Bellerive Oval (20,000) and occasionally the University of Tasmania Stadium (19,500).

Melbourne Renegades
The Renegades, founded in 2011, secured their first title in 2018–19. They wear red and black and play at Docklands Stadium (47,000) and Kardinia Park (36,000).

Melbourne Stars
Known for their green and black colours, the Stars play primarily at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (100,024 capacity), with additional matches at Metricon Stadium, Ted Summerton Reserve, and CitiPower Centre.

Perth Scorchers
The most successful BBL team to date, the Scorchers have won four titles. They wear orange and play at Perth Stadium, which holds 60,000 fans.

Sydney Sixers
Based in Sydney and dressed in magenta, the Sixers boast three BBL titles. Their home ground is the Sydney Cricket Ground (48,601).

Sydney Thunder
The Thunder won their only title in the 2015–16 season. They play in lime green at the Sydney Showground Stadium (21,500).

Start creating today

BBL fun facts and records

🏆 The Big Bash League trophy was chosen through a public design contest held in 2011. Only Australian citizens could submit entries, and fans voted from three shortlisted designs.
👥 The 2016–17 season saw record-breaking attendance, averaging 30,114 spectators per match, the highest in BBL history.
🎯 Sean Abbott holds the record for most wickets: 112
🏏 Chris Lynn has scored the most runs: 2,790
🧤 Alex Carey leads in dismissals as wicketkeeper: 51
🧲 Glenn Maxwell has taken the most catches: 59