The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), also known for sponsorship as the Weber WBBL, is Australia’s premier domestic Twenty20 cricket competition for women. It succeeded the Australian Women’s Twenty20 Cup, which was held from the 2007–08 season to 2014–15. The WBBL cricket comprises eight city-based franchises that share the same branding as the men’s Big Bash League (BBL).
WBBL Cricket History and Origin
In early 2014, the Women’s International Cricket League (WICL) was proposed by Lisa Sthalekar and Shaun Martyn, aiming to create an international women’s Twenty20 competition based on the franchise model of the Indian Premier League. Despite strong support from top female players, the concept faced challenges when major cricket boards, such as the ECB and Cricket Australia, declined to endorse it.
Before the WBBL, the Australian Women’s Twenty20 Cup ran from 2009 to 2015, serving as the national T20 competition. Cricket Australia decided to elevate the profile of women’s cricket by launching the Women’s Big Bash League. On 19 February 2015, Cricket Australia announced the inception of the WBBL, which officially commenced in the 2015–16 season.
The league quickly gained popularity, attracting top international and domestic talent. The inaugural season saw significant fan engagement and media coverage, bolstering the visibility of women’s cricket. In addition to the competitive matches, the WBBL cricket has been instrumental in promoting grassroots participation and inspiring young girls across Australia to take up the sport.
What Is WBBL Cricket Format
In WBBL cricket, each club will face three opponents twice and the remaining teams once, making up the 40-game regular season. The top-ranked team will move directly to the Final, while the third and fourth-place teams will compete in an elimination round. The winner of this round will take on the second-place team in the Challenger match, with the victor securing a spot in the Final.
WBBL Cricket Current Teams
The WBBL features eight city-based franchises, each aligned with the men’s BBL teams.
- Adelaide Strikers
- Brisbane Heat
- Hobart Hurricanes
- Melbourne Renegades
- Melbourne Stars
- Perth Scorchers
- Sydney Sixers
- Sydney Thunder
Impact and Future
WBBL cricket has had a profound impact on women’s cricket in Australia, increasing visibility, participation, and fan engagement. It has inspired a new generation of female cricketers and has played a crucial role in promoting gender equality in sports. The league continues to innovate and evolve, ensuring that each new season brings fresh excitement and opportunities.
