BBL16 Schedule Released: Full Big Bash Fixtures, Dates & Key Highlights

Cricket Australia has unveiled the full BBL16 schedule, with another huge summer of Big Bash cricket on the horizon featuring a historic overseas season opener, blockbuster holiday fixtures and an Australia Day Final.

The biggest talking point is the first-ever Big Bash League match played outside Australia, with the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers opening the season in Chennai, India on Saturday, December 12, 2026.

The 40-match regular season then returns to Australia, with matches scheduled almost every night throughout the Christmas and New Year period before the finals begin on January 19.

Whether you're planning your summer or looking ahead to the best betting opportunities, here's everything you need to know about the BBL16 fixtures.

BBL16 Schedule Highlights

Historic opening match in India

For the first time in Big Bash history, a regular season match will be played overseas, with the Renegades and Scorchers taking the competition to Chennai.

It's a significant moment for the league and demonstrates Cricket Australia's ambition to grow the Big Bash internationally, particularly in the world's biggest cricket market.

Cricket every night during the holidays

One of the biggest strengths of the BBL continues to be its holiday scheduling.

From mid-December through to mid-January, fans can enjoy almost nightly cricket, with marquee fixtures scheduled across Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and throughout the school holidays.

Christmas Eve again features a standalone fixture at Junction Oval in Melbourne, while Boxing Day includes a double-header beginning with the Sydney Sixers hosting the Brisbane Heat before Perth takes on Melbourne Stars later that evening.

Regional venues remain part of the competition

BBL16 continues Cricket Australia's commitment to regional cricket, with matches scheduled at:

- Junction Oval (Melbourne)
- Manuka Oval (Canberra)
- University of Tasmania Stadium (Launceston)

These venues complement traditional homes including the MCG, SCG, Adelaide Oval, Optus Stadium, Ninja Stadium and The Gabba.

Australia Day Final returns

The BBL16 Finals Series begins on Tuesday, January 19, before culminating with the BBL16 Final on Australia Day (Tuesday, January 26).

Finals Schedule

Teams to Watch

The Perth Scorchers will once again be among the favourites after another outstanding campaign, while the Sydney Sixers, Brisbane Heat, Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes all look capable of challenging for the title.

There are plenty of blockbuster rivalries scattered throughout the schedule, including multiple Sydney derbies, traditional Melbourne clashes and several fixtures that could shape the race for the finals.

Looking ahead to the season? Check out our guides to the Best Australian Sports Betting Sites, as well as our latest BBL 16 tips throughout the tournament.

Full BBL16 Schedule