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The BBL, short for Big Bash League, is one of Australia's most popular professional T20 cricket leagues. Launched in 2011 by Cricket Australia, the BBL has quickly gained a strong following both domestically and internationally. Since its inception, the league has been sponsored by KFC, and is often referred to as the KFC BBL.
Renowned for its fast-paced and entertainment-driven matches, the BBL has become a staple of the Australian summer. Its vibrant stadium atmosphere and high-quality broadcasts make it one of the most-watched cricket leagues in the world. Alongside the IPL, the BBL is widely regarded as one of the most prominent and competitive T20 leagues globally. It also serves as a key stage for international players during the off-season.
The BBL features 8 city-based franchises, representing major Australian cities, including teams like the Sydney Thunder, Melbourne Stars, and Perth Scorchers. The tournament typically runs from December to February, coinciding with the Australian summer holiday period-an ideal window to attract family audiences and maximize viewership.
Since 2020, the league has adopted several innovative rules to enhance the excitement and unpredictability of the matches. These include:
Power Surge: A two-over powerplay that can be taken by the batting team at any point after the 10th over.
Bash Boost: A bonus point awarded to the team ahead on the comparative score at the 10-over mark of the second innings.
X-Factor Substitute: Allows each team to substitute a player at the 10-over mark of the first innings.
Each team plays 14 regular-season matches, after which the top five teams on the points table qualify for the playoffs. The finals structure is as follows:
Qualifier: 1st place vs 2nd place
Eliminator: 3rd place vs 4th place
Challenger: Loser of the Qualifier vs Winner of the Eliminator
Final: Winner of the Qualifier vs Winner of the Challenger
The last two standing teams compete for the BBL Championship title.
| Season | Winner vs Runner-up | Score & Result | Venue | Attendance |
| 2011–12 | Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers | 3/158 (18.5) – Won by 7 wickets | WACA Ground (Perth) | 16,255 |
| 2012–13 | Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers | 5/167 – Won by 34 runs | WACA Ground (Perth) | 18,517 |
| 2013–14 | Perth Scorchers vs Hobart Hurricanes | 4/191 – Won by 39 runs | WACA Ground (Perth) | 20,783 |
| 2014–15 | Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers | 6/148 – Won by 4 wickets | Manuka Oval (Canberra) | 11,837 |
| 2015–16 | Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars | 7/181 – Won by 3 wickets | MCG (Melbourne) | 47,672 |
| 2016–17 | Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers | 1/144 – Won by 9 wickets | WACA Ground (Perth) | 21,832 |
| 2017–18 | Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes | 2/202 – Won by 25 runs | Adelaide Oval (Adelaide) | 40,732 |
| 2018–19 | Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars | 5/145 – Won by 13 runs | Docklands (Melbourne) | 40,816 |
| 2019–20 | Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars | 5/116 – Won by 19 runs (DLS) | SCG (Sydney) | 10,121 |
| 2020–21 | Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers | 6/188 – Won by 27 runs | SCG (Sydney) | 25,295 |
| 2021–22 | Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers | 6/171 – Won by 79 runs | Docklands (Melbourne) | 10,333 |
| 2022–23 | Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat | 5/178 – Won by 5 wickets | Perth Stadium (Perth) | 53,886 |
| 2023–24 | Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers | 8/166 – Won by 54 runs | SCG (Sydney) | 43,153 |
| 2024–25 | Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder | 3/185 – Won by 7 wickets (14.1 overs) | Bellerive (Hobart) | 15,706 |
Below is a list of BBL champions from the 2011–12 season through to the 2024–25 season:
As of 2025, the Perth Scorchers are the most successful franchise in BBL history, having won five titles, showcasing a dominant legacy in the league.
The BBL prize money structure, as determined by Cricket Australia, is as follows for the finals stage:
| Position | Prize Money (AUD) |
| Champion | $450,000 |
| Runner-up | $260,000 |
| Losing Semi-finalist (each) | $80,000 |
| Fifth-placed Team | $20,000 |
This incentive system not only rewards success but also fuels fierce competition across the league.
The Hobart Hurricanes emerged as the 2024–25 BBL champions, clinching their first-ever BBL title, marking a historic moment for the franchise.
As of 2025, the Melbourne Stars have never won a BBL championship. Despite reaching the final three times, they have fallen short on each occasion, earning a reputation as one of the league's unluckiest yet consistently strong sides.
If one player deserves the title of "God of BBL," it would be Chris Lynn. He is among the all-time leading run-scorers in BBL history, known for his explosive batting style and ability to dominate bowlers. His performances have made him a cult hero among BBL fans.
