KFC Big Bash League Format

How Does the KFC Big Bash League Format Work? – Big Bash League Explained

KFC Big Bash League Format: The KFC Big Bash League (BBL) is an Australian franchise-level Twenty20 cricket competition that was founded by Cricket Australia. The Twenty20 Big Bash was replaced by the Big Bash League, which has eight city-based franchises as opposed to the six state teams that had previously competed.

The KFC Big Bash League (BBL) also deals with a set of innovative rules as compared to other leagues around the globe. The first is the Power Surge. In simple words, the power surge is a two-over period in which the bowling team is only permitted to have two players beyond the field’s inner fielding circle. From the eleventh over of their innings, the batting side has the option to request this at any time.

The other one is termed the ‘innings clock.’The addition of an innings clock, under which the teams must finish their 20 overs in 79 minutes, is a KFC Big Bash League(BBL) -only innovation. If completed the innings under the time constraint, the encounter will proceed with only four fielders outside the inner ring for the remaining innings as a penalty.

The Big Bash was inaugurated in 2011 with eight franchises located in six cities.  Brisbane, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, and Sydney each had one team, whereas Sydney and Melbourne each acquired two teams.

The Perth Scorchers routed the Sydney Sixers in the BBL 2021-22 championship game in January 2022 and are now the league’s reigning champions. It was their fourth championship overall. This was the sixth grand final between these two clubs.

BBL Teams

KFC Big Bash League Format: How will the Big Bash finals Work in 2022?

KFC Big Bash League Format: The KFC Big Bash League (BBL) encompasses 61 matches overall with matches being conducted in a double-round robin format between 8 teams, which is followed by five playoff fixtures. A team acquires two points for a victory, zero for a defeat and a single point is given in case the game is tied.

The top-five ranked teams in the league stage qualify for the next stage of the tournament, which is known as the playoffs stage. The top two teams of the tournament play the Qualifier and the winner of the Qualifier goes directly to the Finals, while the loser plays the Challenger.

The 4th and the 5th ranked teams of the tournament play the Eliminator and the winner of that advances to the Knockout match, where they lock horns with the 3rd ranked team. The winner of the knockout qualifies for the Challenger and there they play against the loser of the Finals. The winner of the Knockout progresses to Finals and squares off against the winner of the Qualifier.

To exemplify, let us take Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Thunder, Melbourne Stars, Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers are our top-five ranked teams in chronological order.

KFC Big Bash League Format For Knockout Matches

What is the Qualifier?

The Qualifier winner will advance to the Big Bash final for that season. The defeated team will still be able to advance in the competition. A direct path to the Big Bash final is granted through the Qualifier. Following the Elimination match, it will often occur the very next day with participation from two teams. In this match, the team that placed first overall in the standings at the end of the season will face the team that is placed second in the group stages.

To continue the example, Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder are our top-two ranked teams and they would partake in the Qualifier. Now, let’s suppose, Hobart Hurricanes defeated Sydney Thunder. Therefore, Hobart will book the Final spot while Sydney Thunder would take on the winner of Knockout henceforth.

What is the Eliminator?

The fourth-place team and the fifth-place team from the eight teams playing in the season square off in the Eliminator. The match’s title in the Eliminator offers us a hint as to what to anticipate. The losing team will be ousted from the Big Bash League for that season, while the conqueror advances to the next round of the competition, which is Knockout.

In our case, Brisbane Head and Adelaide Strikers, which are the 4th and 5th ranked teams would play the eliminator. Let’s assume Brisbane Heat won the eliminator so, therefore, they will advance to the knockout match and Strikers would be knocked out of the competition.

What is the Knockout?

Due to scheduling constraints, the Knockout game will often occur the day following the Qualifier. This is essentially a second elimination game, with the contestant set to depart from the tournament. The third-place team from the season and the Eliminator winner are the teams that would be contesting in the Knockout.

After the knockout is through, the winning team advances to the next round of the finals series and the losing team runs out of the competition.

In our case, Melbourne Stars finished 3rd at the points table and Brisbane Heat won the Eliminator. Now, let’s suppose Melbourne Stars won the Knockout match and they will advance to the Challenger while Brisbane Heat is ruled out of the tournament.

What is the Challenger?

The participating teams in Challenger are those that have made appearances in prior contests but have not yet been eliminated. As a result, the Qualifiers loser and the Knockout winner square off in the Challenger. The winner of the Challenger faces off against the winner of the Qualifier and the loser gets eliminated from the tournament.

To elucidate, Melbourne Stars, the winner of Knockout and Sydney Thunder, the loser of the qualifier will face off in the Challenger in our case. Let’s suppose the Melbourne Stars defeat the Thunder and they will seal the final spot alongside Hobart Hurricanes.

Are all BBL games on 7?

In Australia, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now or Foxtel IQ telecasts the coverage of the KFC Big Bash League (BBL). The 7 Network also offers limited access as well, however, it only broadcasts 16 regular-season games as opposed to the subscription choices. In India, Sony LIV broadcasts the BBL content.

Is T20 same as Big Bash?

The Big Bash League follows the same outline as the T20 format with new innovations such as Power Surge.

Why Indian players are not in BBL?

To safeguard the IPL’s distinctiveness, the BCCI prohibits Indian players from playing in foreign T20 tournaments like Australia’s Big Bash League.

Is Big Bash better than IPL?

In comparison to the Big Bash Competition in Australia, which is regarded as the second-best T20 league in the world, the IPL teams receive enormous salaries and extensive crowd support.

Who is the best BBL bowler?

Sean Abbott is the best bowler of BBL. As of December 2022 he has taken 124 wickets in 94 matches.

How is points calculated in BBL?

The team chasing will receive the bonus point if they’re above the equivalent 10-over score of their opposition, while if they’re trailing, the fielding side will receive the point. Teams will also now be awarded three points for winning the match, as opposed to the traditional two.

What is the lowest big bash score?

Sydney thunder balled out at a score of 15 against Adelaide Strikers in big bash league season 12 which is the lowest score in BBL.

Do Indian players play in Big Bash League?

BCCI doesn’t allow any Indian player to play in overseas league to maintain it’s superiority due to this Indian players don’t play in BBL.

How many foreign players can play in BBL?

Big Bash clubs are allowed to play only 3 overseas players in playing 11.

Is cricket popularity increasing in Australia?

The International Cricket Council reported a 131 per cent increase on the 2018 tournament for global viewing hours, up from 55.9 million to 113.5 million.

Is Big Bash League popular in Australia?

Since its inception in 2011, Australia’s Big Bash League has steadily grown in value and visibility. Despite the league’s late formation, it still ranks among the top five domestic cricket leagues in the world in terms of quality, popularity, fan base and attendance.

How players are selected in Big Bash League?

There will be four drafts, with eight clubs available for picks in each round. Clubs may choose to advance in specific rounds, but each club must submit a minimum of two and a maximum of three picks. The draft order was determined by a weighted lottery system.

Will IPL allow 5 overseas players?

As per recent situation and news IPL will not allow 5 overseas players for next season. Reason for this is to nurture India’s young talent and to give them more opportunity.