Twenty20 Big Bash set to make a big splash
Inaugural domestic Twenty20 competition starts 6 January 2006
Cricket Australia today announced that its inaugural domestic Twenty20 competition will be known as the
Twenty20 Big Bash.
Aimed at attracting new audiences to cricket, the Twenty20 Big Bash is one of the most revolutionary steps
domestic cricket has taken in Australia since the introduction of the original Australasian limited-overs
competition in 1969-70.
Cricket Australia Chief Executive, James Sutherland, said that the name of the competition reflects the
experience he expects spectators to have at the matches this summer.
“New rules, fast paced, action packed – the Twenty20 Big Bash will be a fun and easy way to connect with
the sport for both the uninitiated as well as ardent cricket fans.”
With Twenty20 matches lasting only three hours and being played at convenient late afternoon and early
evening times, it makes watching cricket more accessible than ever before.
“The timing of the Twenty20 matches is ideal for families and the after work crowd alike,” added
Mr Sutherland.
Accessible pricing is also another key feature of the Twenty20 Big Bash.
“The average general admission price for adults is around $13 while the average price for children is $6.
“With affordable pricing, convenient match times and non-stop action on the cards, we think the Twenty20
Big Bash will be a real hit with spectators and showcase some of this country’s most entertaining cricketers,”
said Mr Sutherland.
Twenty20 cricket has been a huge success in the UK where it was conceived by the England and Wales Cricket
Board in an attempt to bring people back to County Cricket.
Only a handful of exhibition Twenty 20 matches have ever been played in Australia, including a match staged
between Victoria and Western Australia in January 2005 which saw a ‘full house’ sign go up at the WACA for the
first time in 24 years.
The Twenty20 Big Bash commences on 6 January with the final to be staged on 21 January 2006.
| Schedule |
| Date | Start | Pool | Match | Venue |
| Fri Jan 6 | 6:30pm | B | QLD vs TAS | Gabba |
| Fri Jan 6 | 6:45pm | A | WA vs VIC | WACA |
| Sun Jan 8 | 3:30pm | A | VIC vs SA | Junction |
| Sun Jan 8 | 4:00pm | B | NSW vs QLD | North Sydney |
| Tue Jan 10 | 4:00pm | B | TAS vs NSW | Bellerive |
| Tue Jan 10 | 6:30pm | A | SA vs WA | Adelaide |
| Sat Jan 21 | TBA | - | Winner A vs Winner B | TBA |
Twenty20 format rules
- 20 overs per side;
- Bowlers allowed a maximum of four overs;
- Maximum innings time of one hour 20 minutes - penalties apply for slow play;
- Each no-ball carries a two run penalty and a free hit from next delivery;
- After a wicket the new batsman has 90 seconds to take guard;
- Maximum of five fielders on the leg-side at any time;
- Maximum of two fielders outside the circle for first six overs; and
- Maximum of five fielders outside the circle at any time.
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