The Weber WBBL and KFC BBL will acknowledge and pay respects to the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land and waters on which we live, work and play cricket this summer through First Nations Matches.
At dedicated First Nations matches across both competitions, a significant showcase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols and cultures with be celebrated. This includes Welcome to Country and Barefoot circles, supported by an incorporation of local languages, music and art throughout matchday presentation.
Kamilaroi woman and Sydney Thunder player Hannah Darlington has worked closely with the League and naming rights partner Weber to produce original designs for the stumps to be used during each First Nations WBBL matchday. Details on the stump design for the KFC BBL First Nation matches will be announced in due course.
Additionally, players will wear New Balance playing kits designed by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, each with their own unique stories connected to the traditional lands of each club.
Match officials will also wear First Nations uniforms featuring the Walkabout Wicket symbol by Kirrae Whurrong artist Fiona Clarke in these matches, representing cricket stars past, present and future, and the meeting places where they play.
In addition, Clubs will undertake activities outside of matchday to strengthen their connection to culture and country in consultation with local Elders and Traditional Owners.
The activity underpins the collective commitment of clubs, match officials and the League to reconciliation by deepening meaningful connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
A full list of First Nations matches across both competitions is below, with tickets available here.
Weber WBBL First Nations matches
Nov 16: Adelaide Strikers vs. Perth Scorchers | CitiPower Centre, Bunurong Country*
Nov 19: Sydney Thunder vs. Perth Scorchers | Drummoyne Oval, Darug Country
Nov 20: Sydney Sixers vs. Melbourne Stars | North Sydney Oval, Cammeraygal Country
Nov 21: Brisbane Heat vs. Sydney Thunder | Allan Border Field, Turrbal/Yuggera Country
Dec 1: Hobart Hurricanes vs. Melbourne Stars | Ninja Stadium, Muwinina Country
Dec 5: Melbourne Renegades vs. Sydney Sixers | CitiPower Centre, Bunurong Country
Dec 5: Adelaide Strikers vs. Hobart Hurricanes | Karen Rolton Oval, Kaurna Country
Dec 6: Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder | CitiPower Centre, Bunurong Country
Dec 6: Perth Scorchers vs. Brisbane Heat | WACA Ground, Whadjuk Noongar Country
*Denotes Faith Thomas Cup
KFC BBL First Nations matches
Dec 15: Melbourne Renegades vs. Brisbane Heat | GHMBA Stadium, Wadawurrung Country
Jan 4: Perth Scorchers vs. Adelaide Strikers | Optus Stadium, Whadjuk Noongar Country
Jan 5: Sydney Sixers vs. Brisbane Heat | C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Garlandbirla Country
Jan 9: Hobart Hurricanes vs. Adelaide Strikers | Ninja Stadium, Muwinina Country
Jan 11: Adelaide Strikers vs. Perth Scorchers | Adelaide Oval, Kaurna Country
Jan 12: Sydney Thunder vs. Melbourne Renegades | ENGIE Stadium, Wangal Country
Jan 13: Melbourne Stars vs. Adelaide Strikers | MCG, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
Jan 18: Brisbane Heat vs. Sydney Sixers | Gabba, Turrbal/Yuggera Country
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, said:
“The Big Bash Leagues are proud to reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation alongside clubs, players and match officials at this year’s First Nations matches.
“First Nations matches allow us to celebrate and honour our First Nations people and cultures across the country, acknowledge our Indigenous players and is an opportunity to continue to learn about First Nations culture.
“We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of all the lands on which cricket is played and especially thank those who are hosting us for our First Nations matches.”
