TNCA confirms receiving proposal to host BBL opener in December

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has confirmed receiving a proposal to host the season-opening match of the Big Bash League (BBL) in Chennai. A Cricket Australia (CA) delegation met the TNCA officials a few days ago to discuss the possibility of staging the BBL opener at Chepauk. It is understood that the TNCA has left the final decision to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

A highly placed official of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) revealed to Cricbuzz details of the discussions between the association and an Australian delegation. The delegation - comprising two representatives from the BBL and one functionary from the CA - was in Chennai late last week to discuss the plan.

"We have heard their proposal and are fully aware of our jurisdiction. The TNCA has left the matter to the BCCI. We have made it clear to the Australian delegation that without BCCI approval, the plan cannot move forward," a TNCA official said. The ball is in the BCCI court."

If approved, the match would be played in December this year. However, there have been no signals so far from the BCCI, which is understood to be taking a considered view of the overall situation before arriving at a final decision. The BCCI, it is learnt, had not reverted to the TNCA as of Tuesday (February 17).

"The bold ambition is part of a wider strategy to intertwine the lucrative Indian market with the BBL ahead of a near-certain sale for at least two of its eight franchises," a report in Australian media outlet SEN read.

It indicated that the Perth Scorchers could be one of the two sides to potentially feature in the Chennai fixture, if it comes through, largely because of favourable time zones. The Western Australian city is only two-and-a-half hours ahead of IST. Besides, the Scorchers are the defending champions and, by virtue of being last season's winners, would be natural contenders to feature in the season opener.

Click here to read article