Photo Credit: Adelaide Strikers
Following the success of its launch last season, the Big Bash’s First Nations Rounds will return to both the Weber WBBL and KFC BBL this summer.
The Sydney Sixers will join with the League to reaffirm their commitment to deepening education and meaningful connection with Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, showcasing the culture and ceremony of First Nations people.
Players, support staff, match officials and fans will join together to acknowledge, pay respect, and celebrate the First Nations and Traditional Custodians of the land and waters encompassing where we are privileged to live, work, and play the great game of cricket.
In addition to the barefoot circle, Welcome to Country and incorporation of local languages, immersive experiences for fans will be created through music, art, and traditional practices.
Players will also wear uniforms designed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, showcasing the unique stories connected to the traditional lands of each club.
Designed by local artist and Sydney-based Bidjigal woman Jordan Adler, in collaboration with players Ashleigh Gardner and Dan Christian, the Sixers playing shirt symbolises the connection of the wider Sixers community.
The WBBL First Nations Rounds will take place from November 6-16, while the BBL First Nations Rounds will be held from January 13-20.
The Sixers will play four matches throughout the WBBL First Nations Round, including the final game which will be held at North Sydney Oval.
Two First Nations Round matches will also be held in NSW during the BBL when the Sixers face the Perth Scorchers at the SCG and the Adelaide Strikers in Coffs Harbour.
Muruwari woman and Sydney Sixers star, Ashleigh Gardner said:
“It’s exciting to see the return of the First Nations Rounds and have the opportunity to continue engaging with and amplifying Traditional Owner voices and cultures. In addition to celebrating current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, I hope the First Nations Rounds inspires the next generation of young Indigenous cricketers to pick up a bat and ball and be a part of our great game.
“Wearing our specially designed kit for these games means a lot to me and I’m looking forward to once again representing my tribe and celebrating the history and culture of First Nations people from across the country.”
Member of Cricket Australia’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cricket Advisory Committee (NATSICAC), Paul Stewart said:
“Having been involved in the first BBL Indigenous match which was held in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), I’m delighted to have witnessed the growth of this initiative into dedicated First Nations Rounds for both the WBBL and BBL. Cricket is one of Australia’s most popular sports, and it’s important for great events such as the Big Bash to engage and highlight our First Nation communities, and to celebrate and showcase our culture.
“Cricket has a long and deep connection with many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and we must continue to honour and amplify our voices in WBBL and BBL.”
Cricket Australia’s General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson said:
“The League is proud the First Nations Rounds are now a regular part of both the WBBL and BBL schedule as we take further steps to celebrate, honour and learn from First Nations people and cultures.
“It was amazing the see the different ways the inaugural First Nations Rounds were embraced by players, clubs, communities and fans and we look forward to seeing the celebration grow this year and in seasons to come.
“We are grateful to all those who contribute to our First Nations Rounds, from participation to education and attendance, and in particular we thank the Traditional Owners of the land on which our great game is played.”
Sixer’s Weber WBBL|08 First Nations Rounds
November 10, 3:00pm AEDT: Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Renegades, CitiPower Centre, Boon Wurrung
November 12, 1:40pm AEDT: Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers, CitiPower Centre, Boon Wurrung
November 13, 10:15am AEDT: Sydney Sixers v Perth Scorchers, CitiPower Centre, Boon Wurrung
November 16, 7:10pm AEDT: Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat, North Sydney Oval, Cammeraygal
Sixer’s KFC BBL|12 First Nations Rounds
January 15, 7:15pm AEDT: Sydney Sixers v Perth Scorchers, SCG, Gadigal
January 17, 7:15pm AEDT: Sydney Sixers v Adelaide Strikers, C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Gumbainggir
