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Five-team finals revamp for shortened Big Bash season
SYDNEY, July 25, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Australia’s Twenty20 Big Bash League
unveiled a new-look finals series and a shorter season Thursday following fan
feedback.
The ninth year of the domestic competition, starting on December 17, will
again see the eight franchises playing 56 regular season games, but they will
be condensed into 42 days with more double-headers.
Five teams will now be involved in the finals with a new system that gives
a double-chance for the regular season’s top two teams.
The fourth and fifth-placed teams will play in the newly titled “The
Eliminator” with the winner facing the third-placed team in “The Knock-Out”.
Teams finishing first and second play “The Qualifier”, with the loser
taking on the winner of “The Knock Out” in “The Challenger”.
It will culminate with “The Final” between the Challenger and Qualifier
winners.
“We’ve listened and now have a shortened fixture, more consistent
timeslots, a continued regional footprint and a stronger finals format which
will give fans the best opportunity to experience the BBL,” said BBL head of
leagues Alistair Dobson.
“The finals format has been set to make it the best possible end to the
season, rewarding the top two teams with a double chance and giving the
winner hosting rights of The Final,” he added.
“At the same time, it’s a more challenging and entertaining prospect for
fourth and fifth to go on and win the competition.”
Aaron Finch’s Melbourne Renegades won the 2018-19 title, beating city
rivals the Stars in a tense final. Brisbane Heat kick off this year’s event
against Sydney Thunder.
BSS/AFP/AU/08:55 hrs