Family friendly times for Big Bash

THE Big Bash is trying to catch the eyes of youngsters before bed time by scheduling only one of its 61 games a season to start after 8pm locally.

BBL organisers are prioritising a return of crowds and families after a couple of years of empty stands amid criticism of too many matches finishing after 11pm.

The Big Bash released its 2022-23 schedule on Thursday, and league chief Alistair Dobson said clubs had been put on notice to prioritise lifting attendances around the country following two lean Covid years.

“We put attendances right at the top of the list, particularly this summer in the development of the schedule,” Dobson said.

“It’s always really important to us, but even more so this summer. We know how keen everyone is going to be to get back out there and the start times do play a role.

“There’s a whole range of considerations around time zones and broadcast considerations … but to be able to keep games in and around that 7-7.15pm time at local level is a huge part of it.”

Broadcasters prefer later start times. Marquee AFL and NRL matches typically don’t start until 7.50pm on the east coast.

Perth BBL matches will start late on the east coast but provide locals the chance to flock to matches starting at 6.30pm at Optus Stadium.

Last year’s Big Bash schedule became a dog’s breakfast when Covid ravaged the competition and dozens of matches had to be moved to either daytime or late-night slots.

However, the schedule this year attempts to limit afternoon matches to weekends in a further bid to boost the number of families attending.

“We have spoken to each of the clubs that have afternoon games and they have really exciting plans around kids and families and providing something different there,” Dobson said. “We feel that regular good start times for prime time, some great games in Perth and then lots of opportunities for younger families to get to some afternoon games is a great mix.”

Fox Cricket’s exclusive matches will primarily centre around weekends this summer to give viewers greater certainty over where to find their matches.

The Big Bash will kick off on December 13, straight off the back of the Adelaide daynight Test, as Cricket Australia attempts to give the competition the crucial “fast start” that Channel 7 has complained it was robbed of in the 2020-21 season.