Photo Credit: Sydney Sixers
The Sydney Sixers will launch into KFC BBL|13 with a blockbuster clash against Aaron Finch’s Melbourne Renegades at the SCG, the Big Bash League today revealing the complete schedule for the upcoming summer.
The new look reduced season – featuring 40 regular-season matches and a four-game finals series – will begin on Thursday, December 7 in Brisbane, concluding with the BBL Final on Wednesday, January 24, notably during the school holidays.
Following their clash with the Renegades on Friday, December 8 at the iconic SCG, the side will make their first trip interstate to face the Hobart Hurricanes in Launceston on December 11.
Two back-to-back home matches will follow, beginning with a pre-Christmas showdown against the Adelaide Strikers and reigning BBL MVP Matt Short, on Friday, December 22.
The ‘Biggest Bash’ will then return on Boxing Day against traditional rivals, the Melbourne Stars, led by T20 legends Glen Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis.
The men in magenta will round out the year with one of the most anticipated matches of the summer – the Sydney Smash – facing cross-town rivals, Sydney Thunder at Sydney Showground Stadium on December 30. Selling out last season, the fixture is expected to be one of the most sought-after tickets of the summer.
Looking to kick 2024 off with a bang, the Sixers will head to the Gabba to face the Brisbane Heat in the New Years Day clash, before a home rematch against the same side at C.ex Coffs International Stadium in Coffs Harbour, two days later. The Mid North Coast haven has become a favourite for locals and Sixers fans over the last few summers with sold-out crowds the norm.
The Sixers will meet the Stars again, this time at the MCG on Wednesday, January 3, before a Friday night epic against the Thunder, on home turf at the SCG, on Friday, January 12. The return Sydney Smash is likely to witness the season’s biggest crowd with tickets always at a premium, no matter each of the arch-rivals’ position on the ladder.
The Sydneysiders will round out the regular season, making the journey to Perth to face major foes, the Scorchers in a heated clash at Optus Stadium on Tuesday, January 16.
The KFC BBL|13 Finals series is scheduled to begin on Friday, January 19, culminating with The BBL Final on Wednesday, January 24.
Cricket NSW General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, Chris Botherway said:
“This summer’s KFC BBL fixture gives our members and fans five fantastic opportunities to cheer on their Sixers heroes throughout the summer.
“Our players are proud to play at the world-famous Sydney Cricket Ground, while our annual trip to the Coffs Coast has become a crucial part in allowing us to bring the fun, fast, family entertainment of the Big Bash to the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.
“After selling out last year’s Sydney Smash with 38,757 fans at the SCG, everyone at the Club will be looking forward to the Sixers taking on their cross-town rivals, Sydney Thunder on January 12, while the Melbourne Stars join us on Boxing Day for The Biggest Bash in another mouthwatering contest.
“There’s been a strong uptake in Sydney Sixers memberships already, and we’re looking forward to welcoming our members back for more exciting cricket this summer.”
General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson said:
“We’re incredibly pleased and excited with the BBL fixture we’ve been able to deliver this season, with an array of highlights for fans to embrace throughout the summer period.
“The KFC BBL season will again compliment the overall shape of this summer’s cricket schedule, and with the season starting a week earlier than usual this season, we’ve got a tremendous opportunity to engage with communities and connect with fans across seven blockbuster nights of Big Bash ahead of the first Men’s Test in Perth.
“All the fan-favourite fixtures return this season, and combined with the family-friendly entertainment that makes the Big Bash, high quality overseas talent via the BBL draft and world-class stadiums and regional venues, there’s no doubt BBL|13 is well positioned to build on the success of BBL|12.
Tickets for the KFC BBL|13 season will be available from Thursday, August 24.
Further details regarding the upcoming season, including the BBL|13 Draft and Weber WBBL|09 fixture are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Sixers Members receive all the latest BBL news first, to ensure you’re the first to know secure your BBL|13 membership today.
Sydney Sixers BBL Squad
Head Coach: Greg Shipperd
Contracted for BBL|13: Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Todd Murphy, Steve O’Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk.
