Cricket Australia (CA) is confident large crowds will return to the revamped Big Bash League (BBL) this summer, following two editions decimated by COVID-19 complications.
CA released the upcoming season's schedule this afternoon, two weeks after the Seven Network announced it was commencing legal proceedings against the organisation to terminate its $450 million TV rights deal.
Seven is seeking compensation for what it describes as "multiple quality and standard breaches", with the bulk of its allegations relating to the BBL.
CA responded by claiming its last two cricket seasons had been faced by the "enormous challenges presented" by the COVID-19 pandemic.
BBL teams were decimated by COVID-19 last season, affecting the quality of matches and attendances at venues.
Eventual champions Perth Scorchers played just one home match for the entire campaign, relocating east to deal with Western Australia's hard border closure.
"Just having crowds back at the BBL this summer is exciting, it's been a tough couple of years on that front," BBL general manager Alistair Dobson said.
"We've built a schedule that we think gives the maximum opportunity for fans to get back to games.
"The backdrop of the best sport on TV, it's not necessarily unique to cricket, but it's certainly one of the key features of the BBL."
The length of recent BBL seasons had been widely criticised, with the upcoming schedule to again feature 61 matches, 45 of which will be broadcast live by Seven.
Foxtel and Kayo will broadcast every match live.
An overseas player draft will be introduced to the tournament, with former South African captain Faf du Plessis already confirmed and more big names to be announced as soon as next week.
This week's official cancellation of the ODI series between Australia and South Africa in January has opened the door for more international stars to feature in the BBL after the conclusion of the New Year's Test at the SCG.
Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon and Alex Carey are contracted to BBL franchises, while Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith want to return to the competition.
Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Mitch Marsh and Ashton Agar will be free to participate in the entire BBL if they are not called up to the Test squad.
"Now that we have some certainty on the summer there will be an opportunity for our clubs to have conversations with those players with more clarity," Dobson said.
"We're optimistic it creates a window but also know how busy a summer and year the those multi-format Australian players have ahead of them."
The BBL season will begin on December 13 and conclude with the final on February 4.
AAP/ABC
