The Big Bash League (BBL) is one of Australia’s biggest T20 cricket tournaments. It began in the 2011–12 season, replacing the old KFC T20 Big Bash. The league features eight city-based teams and is run by Cricket Australia.
The tournament is held every year during the Australian summer, from December to February. The first-ever champions were the Sydney Sixers, and the league has grown steadily in popularity since then.
Over the years, the BBL has introduced several rules to make matches more exciting. In the 2020–21 season, the league added the Power Surge, which allows the batting team to choose two overs with fewer fielders outside the circle. Other rules like the X-Factor substitute and Bash Boost were tested but later removed.
In the 2024–25 season, the Hobart Hurricanes lifted their first title. For the next season, Cricket Australia is planning new experimental ideas such as designated hitters, two run-outs in one ball, and bowlers delivering consecutive overs from the same end, all aimed at making the league faster and more entertaining.
The upcoming BBL 2025–26 season will run from 14 December 2025 to 25 January 2026, promising another month of high-energy cricket.
BBL Winners
The Perth Scorchers are the most successful team in BBL history with five titles. The Sydney Sixers follow with three championships.
As teams add young Australian talent and experienced international players, the league becomes more competitive every year. Below is the complete list of winners:
BBL Winners List (2011 – 2026)
| Season | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2011–12 | Sydney Sixers | Perth Scorchers |
| 2012–13 | Brisbane Heat | Perth Scorchers |
| 2013–14 | Perth Scorchers | Hobart Hurricanes |
| 2014–15 | Perth Scorchers | Sydney Sixers |
| 2015–16 | Sydney Thunder | Melbourne Stars |
| 2016–17 | Perth Scorchers | Sydney Sixers |
| 2017–18 | Adelaide Strikers | Hobart Hurricanes |
| 2018–19 | Melbourne Renegades | Melbourne Stars |
| 2019–20 | Sydney Sixers | Melbourne Stars |
| 2020–21 | Sydney Sixers | Perth Scorchers |
| 2021–22 | Perth Scorchers | Sydney Sixers |
| 2022–23 | Perth Scorchers | Brisbane Heat |
| 2023–24 | Brisbane Heat | Sydney Sixers |
| 2024–25 | Hobart Hurricanes | Sydney Thunder |
| 2025-26 | – | – |
Team-Wise BBL Champions
Perth Scorchers – 5 Titles
The Perth Scorchers are the most successful team in the league, winning five titles. Their consistent performances over the years make them the strongest BBL franchise.
| Years | Captain(s) |
|---|---|
| 2013–14 | Simon Katich |
| 2014–15 | Adam Voges |
| 2016–17 | Adam Voges |
| 2021–22 | Ashton Turner |
| 2022–23 | Ashton Turner |
Sydney Sixers – 3 Titles
The Sixers were the first-ever champions and later won back-to-back titles in 2019–20 and 2020–21, proving they are always a strong contender.
| Years | Captain(s) |
|---|---|
| 2011–12 | Steve Smith |
| 2019–20 | Moises Henriques |
| 2020–21 | Moises Henriques |
Brisbane Heat – 2 Titles
Brisbane Heat won their first title early in the league and returned to the top in 2023–24, showing a strong comeback after many years.
| Years | Captain(s) |
|---|---|
| 2012–13 | Chris Hartley |
| 2023–24 | Nathan McSweeney |
Sydney Thunder – 1 Title
Sydney Thunder won their only title in 2015–16. They reached the 2024–25 final as well but finished as runners-up, showing their steady growth.
| Years | Captains |
| 2015–16 | Michael Hussey |
Adelaide Strikers – 1 Title
The Strikers won their first and only title in 2017–18. They remain a competitive team known for strong bowling performances.
| Years | Captains |
|---|---|
| 2017–18 | Travis Head |
Melbourne Renegades – 1 Title
The Renegades won the 2018–19 final against their rivals, the Melbourne Stars, in a memorable match. They have struggled since but continue to rebuild for future seasons.
| Years | Captains |
|---|---|
| 2018–19 | Aaron Finch |
Hobart Hurricanes – 1 Title
The Hurricanes won their first-ever title in 2024–25, defeating Sydney Thunder by seven wickets. This win finally gave the franchise its first championship after two previous runner-up finishes.
| Years | Captains |
|---|---|
| 2024–25 | Nathan Ellis |
