The WBBL is experiencing several changes as it approaches its 7th Edition. Scheduled to begin in Sydney, there is still uncertainty due to covid taking over and causing lockdowns and border closures. The seventh edition is also seeing a new naming rights partner, Weber Barbecues, considered as the world’s leading barbecue brand.
In the Weber WBBL|07, only the top four teams will qualify for the final series. This new system will provide a big advantage to the top two teams. However, the KFC BBL has a different pattern where the top five teams will qualify.
We’re shaking it up for #WBBL07 🤪
Details on our new Finals structure: https://t.co/aNhYbgX8Ks pic.twitter.com/71MdHImRVb
— Weber Women’s Big Bash League (@WBBL) September 7, 2021
In the previous tournaments, there were two semi-finals played between the 1st and 4th team and the 2nd and 3rd team. The winners in these two matches would compete in the final match. In this season, the team at the top of the table after playing the 56-game regular season will directly play the final only on Saturday, November 27 at their home ground if permitted. The teams that will place 3rd and 4th will first play The Eliminator on Wednesday, November 24 at the second team’s home ground. The winner of this match will play The Challenger on Thursday, November 25 at their home ground against the 2nd place team. Ultimately, the winner of this match will meet the first-place team on November 27.
Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson stated the advantages for the first-place team, “The new Weber WBBL|07 Finals format adds more incentive than ever to finishing on top of the table. Not only will teams have a guaranteed path to The Final, they’ll also have the backing of a strong home crowd, with fans given more time to secure their ticket to the Final. “
He continued, “The League views The Final as a marquee moment in the summer of Big Bash and we look forward to creating an unmissable event to cap the Weber WBBL|07 seasons.”
Despite probable problems that the pandemic could pose, Cricket Australia, as well as Dobson, is determined to accomplish this year’s season as smoothly as possible.
“We are committed to ensuring cricket remains a leading sport for women and girls by holding a full, safe, and successful Weber WBBL|07 seasons. We learned many lessons from staging full WBBL and BBL seasons last summer and are confident of another safe and successful summer ahead. We’ll continue to work with our clubs, state and territory governments, health authorities, and broadcasters in the lead up to the Weber WBBL|07 season, which remains on track to begin on October 14.”
About their new partner, Weber Barbecues, Cricket Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Nick Hockley said, “As the League enters its seventh season, we’re thrilled to be working with Weber as we continue advancing cricket as a leading sport for women and girls. Weber has a proud history in Australia and we look forward to combining our shared visions for Weber WBBL|07 and beyond.”
Source: cricket.com.au
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