WBBL|12 Season Kicks Off with Double-Header on Thursday

The 12th season of the Women's Big Bash League begins on Thursday with a double-header at Melbourne's Junction Oval, featuring Melbourne Renegades against Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars against Hobart Hurricanes, Cricket Australia reported.

The regular season will run until November 29, followed by three playoff matches and the final on December 5.

A total of 43 games will be played across 38 days, with each team hosting a home match within the first 10 days of the competition.

This season, seven teams will play home games across the tournament's first weekend, including Hurricanes, who will host Renegades at Ninja Stadium on November 4.

All matches will be broadcast on Kayo Sports, Foxtel, and Channel Seven, with live scores, highlights, and news available on the Big Bash App.

Several international stars, including Hayley Matthews, Sophie Ecclestone, and Laura Wolvaardt, will feature in the tournament, which will also see the return of The Scoop Cricket Podcast.

The BKT Big Bash tipping competition is also back, with weekly prizes and a $10,000 cash prize for the winner at the end of the regular season.

The league has made some changes this season, including fewer neutral venues and more prime-time matches, with 25 matches scheduled for prime time, up from 22 last season.

The Melbourne and Sydney derbies will take center stage on days free of international cricket.

Key Matchups

The season will feature several key matchups, including the Sydney Smash at North Sydney Oval on November 8 and the Melbourne Derbies at Junction Oval on November 22 and 28.

Star Signings

Several teams have made significant signings, including the Renegades, who have re-signed Hayley Matthews, and the Strikers, who have signed Sophie Ecclestone and Maia Bouchier.

Broadcast Details

All 43 matches will be aired on Kayo Sports and Foxtel, including 20 matches exclusive to Fox Cricket, while 20 regular season matches and every final will be shown live and free on Channel Seven and 7plus.

Background

The Women's Big Bash League is one of the premier women's cricket competitions in the world, featuring eight teams from across Australia.

The league has grown in popularity since its inception in 2016 and has provided a platform for women's cricket to thrive in Australia.