Perth Scorchers link with WA 'State of Energy' campaign as Chennai prepares to host BBL opener
Perth Scorchers announced a new partnership with the Cook Labor Government’s global State of Energy campaign while attending a Western Australian showcase in Mumbai, with the announcement timed as Chennai prepares to host the first Big Bash League match played outside Australia. The Scorchers will open KFC BBL|16 against the Melbourne Renegades at M.A Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday, 12 December.
Western Australian showcase events are being held in Mumbai and Delhi to put WA’s investment, tourism and creative industries on display. Premier Roger Cook is leading an investment and trade mission through India and Vietnam as part of a push to position WA as a capital of the Indian Ocean rim and to create local jobs. The Premier was presented with a signature Scorchers jersey during the Mumbai event, which organisers said provided a major platform to reach key international stakeholders.
The announced arrangement links the Perth Scorchers with the Cook Labor Government’s global State of Energy campaign, which the government says promotes Western Australia’s strengths, industries and opportunities to international audiences. Organisers framed the partnership as part of the wider effort to give the Scorchers international exposure ahead of the landmark BBL fixture.
The opening match — the KFC BBL|16 season opener — will be played in Chennai and is described by organisers as the first Big Bash League contest ever to be played outside Australia and is anticipated to be the most-watched game in the competition’s history. Live coverage will be provided via the Seven Network and Fox Cricket, and JioStar broadcasting to millions of viewers across India.
The Perth Scorchers enter the forthcoming BBL season as the competition’s most successful franchise, with six KFC BBL titles. Adam Voges, Head Coach of Perth Scorchers, said: “The Perth Scorchers are incredibly proud and excited to be making history by opening the first-ever BBL match in Chennai. Expectations are high, and we have a strong team. I was recently in Chennai, and the pitch is looking great and the mood is electric. “We’ve already got a strong and passionate base of Indian cricket supporters back in Perth, and I’d love for our brand and history to be celebrated across India as well. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring them closer to the Club and to Western Australia. “We love engaging with cricket fans wherever they are in the world, and we’re proud of the style of cricket we play. I think fans in Chennai, and across India, are going to enjoy what they see. We’re looking forward to working together in Chennai to deliver a great win in December. We’re confident we can have another great season next year.”
Officials said the trade mission to India and Vietnam aims to position WA as a long-term partner in the energy transition, strengthen direct aviation and tourism links, promote the State’s primary industries, and expand skills and training pathways to WA, helping to create local jobs for Western Australians. Premier Roger Cook said: “Having the Big Bash League hold its first ever international match with the Perth Scorchers is both an enormous opportunity for WA and for our fantastic host city Chennai. “While on the WA Government’s investment and trade mission through the country it’s very clear to see the passion for cricket here and the excitement for the BBL opener continues to grow. “I want to create quality local jobs for Western Australians, and one way to do that is by boosting our trade and investment relationships with the countries in our time zone. “India is one of Western Australia’s largest trading partners and missions such as this provide invaluable face-to-face opportunities which grow relationships and showcase what our great State has to offer on an international stage.”
The BBL 2026-27 match will be played in Chennai.