(WBBL Credit)
To tap into the expanding Indian audience, the Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) are intensifying their efforts to incorporate more Indian elements into their tournaments.
Alistair Dobson, General Manager of the Big Bash Leagues, recently noted a significant rise in viewership from India. This surge is attributed to a new media rights agreement that has broadened the leagues’ presence in the Indian subcontinent.
“We had a significant increase in our audiences globally this year, particularly in India off the back of our new media rights deal, in India, which has shown significant growth in the viewership,” Dobson said.
The rising enthusiasm from Indian fans has made India a crucial market for both the BBL and WBBL. Last season, the strategic addition of Indian cricket commentators such as Ravi Shastri and Harsha Bhogle was aimed at captivating Indian viewers.
“It was amazing to have those guys commentating the BBL. They bring such expertise and interest to our game and they, from all reports, they really loved what they saw. And we’re hoping to see a few global commentators out here again this summer and obviously with a big international summer ahead,” Dobson mentioned.
Dobson also mentioned the potential for featuring more Indian talent in the leagues.
“We’re very fortunate in the WBBL that Indian players of, you know, whether that’s Harmanpreet Kaur for the (Melbourne) Renegades or others that have been in our competition and had such skill and capability and leadership.”
“So we’re always working closely with other boards around the world about how we can grow our competition and make it as accessible as possible and that won’t stop,” Dobson said.
