BBL and WBBL see significant growth in Indian viewership, says Alistair Dobson

In a bid to capture the growing Indian audience, the Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) are focusing on adding more Indian flavor to their tournaments. Alistair Dobson, the General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, recently highlighted a remarkable increase in viewership from India, thanks to a new media rights deal that has expanded the leagues’ reach in the subcontinent.

“We had a significant increase in our audiences globally this year, particularly in India off the back of our new media rights deal, in India, which has shown significant growth in the viewership,” Dobson said.

The surge in interest from Indian fans has been noteworthy, making India a key market for both the BBL and WBBL. Last season, the inclusion of Indian cricket commentators like Ravi Shastri and Harsha Bhogle was a strategic move to engage Indian audiences. 

“It was amazing to have those guys commentating the BBL. They bring such expertise and interest to our game and they, from all reports, they really loved what they saw. And we’re hoping to see a few global commentators out here again this summer and obviously with a big international summer ahead,” Dobson mentioned.

Dobson also touched on the possibility of including more Indian talent in the leagues. 

“We’re very fortunate in the WBBL that Indian players of, you know, whether that’s Harmanpreet Kaur for the (Melbourne) Renegades or others that have been in our competition and had such skill and capability and leadership."

"So we’re 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 said

Over a period of time, both BBL and WBBL have seen some global stars making a mark in the reputed Australian T20 league.