The draw for the 2018-19 season of the Big Bash League was released earlier this morning, with more action than ever before.
The biggest talking point is the introduction of full home-and-away fixtures, with BBL08 set to feature 59 matches, up from the 43 played in the previous season.
The competition will also controversially embrace the festive season this year, with two games to be played on Christmas Eve.
The regular season kicks off on December 19, when defending champions the Adelaide Strikers take on the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba and wraps up on February 10 with the Melbourne Stars hosting the Sydney Sixers at the MCG.
The finals series begins on February 14 while the final will be contested three days later on February 17.
The Gold Coast is one of the new destinations that will host Big Bash games in 2018-19, with the Brisbane Heat taking two of its seven home games to Carrara Stadium.
The Melbourne Stars will also be making the trip up north when they host the Sydney Thunder on January 5.
In addition, the BBL makes its return to Launceston and Alice Springs, after games were held in both locations last summer.
The Adelaide Strikers host the Perth Scorchers at Traeger Park in the Northern Territory, while the Hobart Hurricanes play two matches at UTAS Stadium.
BBL08 will be showcased across Australia, with every match shown live on subscription television provider Fox Sports. 43 of the 59 games this year will also be shown on free-to-air television by new broadcasting partner Channel Seven.
Head of the Big Bash League Kim McConnie said the decision to expand the season was important in the future of the sport.
“The objective of moving the BBL to a full home and away fixture is consistent with Cricket Australia’s strategy of growing the Big Bash and becoming number one for fans across Australia,” she said.
“With more games, in more locations, we believe this is going to be one of the most exciting, action-packed BBL seasons to-date.”
The draw will also be more family-friendly, with games spread evenly throughout the holiday period and into February.
“The season will extend past school holidays, so as the competition moves into February, there will be more family-friendly timeslots on weekends to help drive participation,” McConnie said.
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