WBBL: SCG and MCG to host standalone fixtures during 9th edition of premier event

The two most iconic stadiums in Australia - the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), are set to host Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) matches this season. Head of the Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson, stated that hosting league matches at such iconic venues is indeed a significant upgrade for the WBBL. 

The MCG and SCG have not hosted any WBBL games since the league became a standalone event in the 2019-20 season. In the past, 12 Women’s BBL games have been played at the MCG, including the 2015-16 edition finals, but all the previous games were played as starters for the men’s BBL matches. This time MCG will host derbies for Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades and at the SCG, Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers will battle against each other.

"We see the evolution of the WBBL continuing to demonstrate that it's the best cricket league in the world with the best players in the world, and looking to start to play games in the biggest and best stadiums is a really important part of that," Dobson said to the reporters as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. 

"Doing it on a smaller scale, if you like, this year with three or four matches at different venues is a good way of starting to build momentum as part of a longer-term journey. What that looks like in the medium to long term is all part of what we'll find out, but it's a really obvious and natural next step for us,” he further added. 

In the WBBL 2023, there will be fewer neutral venue games this time, as the league is extending to make it a fully placed home and away fixture for teams. Interestingly, there will be no men’s cricket international event in Australia during the WBBL's ninth edition. However, it will collide with the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. 

Decision to hold WBBL matches at MCG and SCG likely to attract more viewers

“We'll judge the success of those games in different ways. We wouldn't really put a number on it from an attendance perspective. Obviously, we'll work really hard with our clubs and the venues and all our partners on getting people there, but equally now it's about the experience of the players - and the experience of the fans - that are there,” concluded the BBL head. 

The tournament starts on October 19 at North Sydney Oval. The Melbourne Derby is set to take place on November 25, and the Sydney Derby is slated to be played on November 26.