Australia's Big Bash League (BBL) will kick off its 2026-27 season in India, with Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium set to host the opening match in December, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Friday. Albanese made the announcement alongside India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the final day of his three-day visit to Australia.

Cricket Australia later revealed that Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers will be the teams taking on each other in Chennai. The fixture will mark the first-ever BBL game played outside Australia and will officially kick off the BBL 16 season on December 12. The Melbourne Renegades will be the designated home side for the historic clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.