BBL 2026: Two Big Bash League franchises set to merge ahead of the 16th season
BBL 2026: Two Big Bash League franchises set to merge ahead of the 16th season originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Two BBL franchises from Melbourne, Stars and Renegades, are all set to merge before the 16th season.Cricket Victoria will run a single franchise from BBL 2026.Cricket Victoria will sell the second license.BBL 2026: Two Big Bash League franchises set to mergeAccording to SEN's Tom Morris, Cricket Victoria has decided to run just a single BBL franchise from the upcoming edition of the tournament and as a result, they have decided to merge Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades ahead of the BBL 2026 season.AdvertisementThe staff of both teams have reportedly been informed on Tuesday about the decision of merger. The new merged franchise will use the name Melbourne instead of Victoria, and a suffix, involving a nickname, will be formally added to the team's name.Cricket Victoria has already decided to sell their second license entirely.MORE: Have Australia ever won an away ODI series against Pakistan?How have Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades performed in BBL over the years?MORE: Are Australia playing their B team against Pakistan?Big Bash League season 16 opener to be played in IndiaAccording to a report from the Indian Express last month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has reportedly reached an agreement with Cricket Australia and the BBL 16 season opener will accordingly be held on Indian soil.AdvertisementAs of now, it has been agreed that the iconic M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, famously known as the Chepauk, is all set to host the BBl 16 opener. The Chepauk is also the home ground of five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings.The start date of the BBL has to be decided and is expected to be announced later this year. A BBL season typically starts in the final week of December and runs until the end of January.
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