Big Bash final bumped from prime time

The Big Bash League grand final won’t be played in prime time despite 86.3 per cent of games this summer being played under lights.

Kane Richardson of the Renegades celebrates.

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The Big Bash League grand final has been bumped from prime time as the possibility grows Melbourne will host the February 17 decider.

A start time between 2pm-2.45pm is expected despite 86.3 per cent of games this summer being played under lights.

That timeslot will allow the broadcast to lead into Channel 7’s Sunday night news and then My Kitchen Rules.

Seven CEO Tim Worner, 2nd from left, with members of My Kitchen Rules cast. Picture: James Croucher

A clash with either high-rating program would push the BBL on to a secondary channel, which Cricket Australia wants to avoid.

Channel 7 does not want the BBL disrupting its flagship shows, although the network said it was CA’s call.

“We’re comfortable with CA’s scheduling that will make it accessible for young families at the start of the school week,” a Seven spokesman said.

Last summer’s twilight final in Adelaide started at 4pm on Channel 10, dodging a clash with I’m A Celebrity.

The Renegades are a strong chance of making the final.

Every previous final has been played at night, although most fell in school holidays.

While CA was conscious a late finish could hurt the attendance, that did not stop it scheduling two evening games on Sunday.

The Strikers clash did not have to fit around Channel 7’s news as it was exclusive to Fox Cricket. The Stars clash was shown on Seven after MKR.

The BBL’s finals series will be crammed into four days, giving the host of the final less than 72 hours to promote the match and sell tickets.

A revamp is expected next season, which could return the BBL final to prime time on a Friday or Saturday night.

The Herald Sun revealed last year CA was considering an NFL-style Super Bowl approach, where the host city is locked in before the season.

CA powerbrokers have already started identifying problems from this season. They’ve admitted scheduling Renegades against Thunder at Marvel Stadium last Wednesday night was a mistake.

That match — crucial to both team’s semi-final hopes — finished at 10.30pm on a school night and drew just 10,287.

CA also wants to lock marquee games into the same timeslot every season. That could see the Stars-Renegades MCG derby played on the first Saturday night in January.

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Originally published as Big Bash final bumped from prime time