Flawless season start backs proposal to bring Big Bash down south: Can Brisbane keep up?

Gold Coast’s thousands-strong base of junior cricketers could get to see their T20 heroes up close, with Cricket Australia announcing Carrara Stadium will host a Big Bash League final for the first time BUT on one condition. Full details inside:

Gold Coast’s thousands-strong base of junior cricketers will get to see their T20 heroes up close if Brisbane Heat can maintain their flawless start to the BBL season.

Cricket Australia announced on Thursday that Carrara Stadium will host a Big Bash League final for the first time if the Heat can finish in the top three.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 27: Josh Brown of the Heat plays a shot during the BBL match between the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder at The Gabba, on December 27, 2023, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The Heat’s regular home, The Gabba, will be occupied by the Day/Night Test against the West Indies from January 25 to 29, opening the door for the next generation of Gold Coast cricketers to see the stars in action in their backyard.

And it could mean a much-needed boost to participation.

Cricket Gold Coast secretary Michael Guy said the BBL season and the family-friendly atmosphere had generally attracted more juniors to the game, but that was not restricted to kids.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 27: Matthew Kuhnemann of the Heat celebrates with team mates after taking the wicket of Oliver Davies of the Thunder during the BBL match between the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder at The Gabba, on December 27, 2023, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“We certainly see a bit of an increase in activity and from an umpiring perspective we also see new employers float in around that time,” he said.

“Guys are watching it on TV and think ‘hang on a second, I can’t play anymore but maybe I could give umpiring ago’.”

In his decade-long experience playing, umpiring and being on the board of Cricket Gold Coast, Guy said he’s seen a pattern emerge when it comes to participation growth.

“We’re certainly seeing a lot more growth in the Masters and Over 40s when people come back to cricket after time away,” Guy said.

“We’re also seeing a certain degree of growth in the Under 10s level … I think Queensland Cricket have put a fair bit of effort into that age group and below which is slowly filtering in through Gold Coast Cricket,” he said.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 27: Josh Brown of the Heat plays a shot plays during the BBL match between the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder at The Gabba, on December 27, 2023, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The Heat are no stranger to the venue, having played eight BBL matches at Carrara since 2018, with its highest crowd of 20,135 recorded against the Scorchers in 2020.

Guy has no doubt the Heat would receive a warm welcome from a coastal audience - should they qualify.

“Brisbane play attractive cricket and they’re fairly popular here, there’s no real competition,” Guy said.

“I’m sure if there was a final you’d expect to get 22,000-plus (spectators), and if not a sellout, close to.”

Brisbane are odds-on early in the campaign, with four wins and a no result from their first five fixtures.

Wednesday night’s home ground win over the Sydney Thunder attracted the Heat’s biggest crowd since 2020, with 29,155 fans piling through the Gabba gates.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 27: Matthew Kuhnemann of the Heat celebrates with team mates after taking the wicket of Oliver Davies of the Thunder during the BBL match between the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder at The Gabba, on December 27, 2023, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Should they qualify, this will be the Heat’s first home final since 2020-21.

Queensland Cricket and Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson said the choice of the Gold Coast provided the club with a familiar venue boasting a proven track record in delivering BBL matches.

“Everyone is very pleased to see the team doing well and while there is still a lot of cricket to be played, it is a strong outcome for us to have the Gold Coast locked in should we be in a position to host a final,’’ he said.

“It’s disappointing for us that we can’t host a Final at the Gabba, but the complexities of the busy international and domestic schedule this year mean that isn’t possible.

“However as we’ve seen previously, wherever we play, we know Queenslanders will come out to support the Brisbane Heat.”

The top four teams at the end of the regular BBL season will secure a finals berth and, as has been the case in previous seasons, the top two teams will be rewarded with a double-chance. The KFC BBL|13 champions will be crowned at the Final on January 24.

Originally published as Flawless season start backs proposal to bring Big Bash down south: Can Brisbane keep up?