The Success of Cricket Australia’s Shorter WBBL Season
Cricket Australia has made a bold move to shorten the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season, and the results are impressive. Despite a decrease in the number of games, the league has seen an increase in viewership and almost as many spectators as before.
Team of the Decade Unveiled
Recently, officials revealed their WBBL team of the decade, with Ellyse Perry appointed as the captain. The team includes nine Australian players, with Amanda-Jade Wellington, a standout spinner, being a surprising selection.
Increased Engagement and Commercial Success
- The WBBL season was reduced from 14 games to 10, aligning with the shorter men’s season.
- Despite initial opposition, the change proved to be a commercial success, with a higher percentage of games on weeknights and increased TV viewership.
- Average regular-season crowds have risen to 1,750 per game, a 23% increase from the previous season.
- TV numbers have surged by 46%, attracting more total viewers despite fewer games.
Challenges and Future Considerations
While the revamped season structure has been largely successful, challenges remain:
- Crowds for stadium games did not see a significant increase.
- The upcoming final at the MCG faces the challenge of low attendance, as seen in a recent derby.
- The WBBL is now locked into the November window for the next four years, posing challenges for player availability.
Expert Insights
BBL boss Alistair Dobson emphasized the importance of prime-time slots for games and the need to place high-quality matches at the right venues during the season.
WBBL Team of the Decade
Key players in the WBBL team of the decade include Beth Mooney, Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, and more.
The Biggest Australia-India Moments
As we reflect on the cricket season, let’s revisit some of the most memorable moments between Australia and India. Join the conversation and vote for your top picks!
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AAP