Shorter BBL will attract foreign stars: Alex Hales


image-lck3cdjfHales reckons shorter BBL will attract more players [Source: Twitter]

The Big Bash League (BBL) over the years have struggled to pull in numbers on the ground and on television, forcing the authorities to cut down on the number of matches in the competition for future editions. England's star opener and Sydney Thunder batter Alex Hales has revealed that a shortened BBL will attract foreign stars.

Post 2019-20, the BBL has been played over seven weeks and sees a total of 61 matches, which is a stark difference from the 31 in the inaugural season. Other leagues like Pakistan Super League and International League T20 offer more lucrative opportunities to play lesser games.

According to AAP, Hales mentioned that several of his T20 World Cup 2022-winning teammates wanted to play in Australia this time around. 

Here's what Hales said

"(The BBL) is just a very long tournament at the moment so it's tough for people to commit to that when they can play two tournaments in the same timeframe that are probably a bit more lucrative.

Everyone wants to come and play in Australia. It's certainly my favourite place in the world to come and play. If you cut it down to five to six weeks, you'd get way more commitment from overseas players."

Hales, who is the highest run-getter for the Thunder this season, will leave for ILT20 next week to feature for Desert Vipers.


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