For the first time in the competition’s history, the Big Bash League will feature prime time cricket on Christmas Eve, with the Melbourne Renegades set to face the Hobart Hurricanes at Junction Oval under lights on December 24.
7NEWS chief cricket reporter Tom Morris revealed the historic fixture, which promises to be “an absolute ripper” as cricket fans are given a new festive tradition to add to their Christmas celebrations.
In other major fixture news, the popular Melbourne derby will return for the upcoming season, with the Melbourne Mace rivalry between the Stars and Renegades continuing across two blockbuster matches.
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The first derby will take place on January 4 at the MCG, coinciding with day one of the Sydney Test, while the second clash will be held at the MCG on January 16 as a Renegades home game, reflecting their new home ground arrangements.
The BBL season will kick off on December 12 in Chennai, where the Renegades will take on the Scorchers in an overseas fixture. The Stars will begin their campaign on December 18 at the MCG against the Strikers.
Adding to the summer spectacle, Australia Day cricket will also feature on the calendar, with the BBL final scheduled for January 26.
The announcements signal what shapes as a massive Big Bash League season ahead.
