Photo Credit: Sydney Sixers
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.
Clubs, match officials and the League will reaffirm our collective commitment to reconciliation by deepening meaningful connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout both competitions.
In doing so, we recognise the powerful and unique history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement in Australia’s favourite sport and celebrate the ongoing contributions of First Nations People across all aspects of our game.
This commitment will be demonstrated at dedicated First Nations matches across both competitions, through a significant showcase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols and cultures. This includes Welcome to Country and Barefoot circles, which will be supported by an incorporation of local languages, music and art in matchday presentation.
This summer, League naming rights partners Weber and KFC have collaborated with Indigenous artists to produce eye-catching designs for the stumps to be used during each First Nations matchday.
Once again, players will wear striking uniforms designed by local artists to tell stories unique to the traditional lands of each club. Information about these designs will be released by each club.
Match officials will also wear 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. Aunty Fiona is a descendant of James ‘Mosquito’ Couzens. He and his brother Jonny Couzens were members of the first Australian cricket team ever to tour England in 1868.
Clubs will also undertake activities outside of matchday to strengthen their connection to culture and country in consultation with local Elders and Traditional Owners.
WBBL|10 and BBL|14 First Nations matches come against the backdrop of the upcoming launch of Cricket Australia’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan in November. Where possible, this summer’s First Nations matches will also align with the Reconciliation celebration matches at Premier and community cricket level in each home market.
A full list of First Nations matches across both competitions is below, with tickets available at www.bigbash.com.au.
Weber WBBL|10
October 27: Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars, WACA Ground, Whadjuk Noongar Country
October 29: Sydney Sixers v Adelaide Strikers, North Sydney Oval, Cammeraygal Country
November 3: Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes, CitiPower Centre, Bunurong Country
November 3: Melbourne Renegades v Adelaide Strikers, CitiPower Centre, Bunurong Country
November 13: Hobart Hurricanes v Adelaide Strikers, Blundstone Arena, Muwinina Country
November 19: Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers, Karen Rolton Oval, Kaurna Country
November 20: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Stars, Drummoyne Oval, Darug Country
November 22: Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Stars, Allan Border Field, Turrbal/Yuggera Country
KFC BBL|14
December 17: Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers, Manuka Oval, Ngunnawal Country
December 27: Adelaide Strikers v Hobart Hurricanes, Adelaide Oval, Karuna Country
January 3: Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat, C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Garlandbirla Country
January 3: Perth Scorchers v Sydney Thunder, Optus Stadium, Whadjuk Noongar Country
January 5: Hobart Hurricanes v Adelaide Strikers, Blundstone Arena, Muwinina Country
January 9: Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
January 16: Brisbane Heat v Hobart Hurricanes, Gabba, Turrbal/Yuggera Country
January 18: Melbourne Renegades v Brisbane Heat, Marvel Stadium, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung 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.
“Across 14 seasons of the KFC BBL and 10 of Weber WBBL, the League is proud to have joined with Traditional Owners of the lands our competitions are played across Australia, and Indigenous players past and present, to strengthen our connections to Country, community and culture.
“We acknowledge and thank Traditional Owners who are hosting us once again this summer, and look forward to showcasing their culture, ceremony, art and music at each First Nations match.
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Name of Author: Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia (CA), formerly the Australian Cricket Board (ACB), is the governing body for cricket in Australia. Established in 1905 as the Australian Board of Control for International Cricket, CA manages all national teams, including Men’s, Women’s, and Youth sides, as well as other national teams. It oversees the organization of Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is, and coordinates home international fixtures.
