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First Nations Rounds return for Weber WBBL|08, KFC BBL|12

by Cricket World & BBL Friday 4 November 2022

©BBL

Following the success of its launch last season, the Big Bash’s First Nations Rounds will return to both the Weber WBBL and KFC BBL this summer.

Throughout the rounds and at select additional matches, the League and Clubs will reaffirm their commitment to deepening meaningful connections with Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Players, support staff, match officials and fans will join together to acknowledge, pay respect and celebrate the First Nations and Traditional Owners of the land and waters encompassing where we are privileged to live, work and play the great game of cricket.

The WBBL First Nations Rounds will take place from November 6-16 2022, while the BBL First Nations Rounds will be held from January 13-20 2023, with games played in venues nationwide and all clubs hosting at least one match.

Throughout the First Nations Rounds, the League and Clubs will showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and ceremony. Along with the barefoot circle, Welcome to Country and incorporation of local languages, immersive experiences for fans will be created through music and art.

Additionally, players will be dressed in uniforms designed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, each with their own unique stories connected to the traditional lands of each club.

Ashleigh Gardner, Muruwari woman and Sydney Sixers player, said:

“It’s exciting to see the return of the First Nations Rounds and have the opportunity to continue engaging with and amplifying Traditional Owner voices and cultures. In addition to celebrating current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, I hope the First Nations Rounds inspire the next generation of young Indigenous cricketers to pick up a bat and ball and be a part of our great game.

“Wearing our specially designed kit for these games means a lot to me and I’m looking forward to once again representing my tribe and celebrating the history and culture of First Nations people from across the country.”

Paul Stewart, Taungurung man and a member of Cricket Australia’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cricket Advisory Committee (NATSICAC), said:

“Having been involved in the first BBL Indigenous match which was held in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), I’m delighted to have witnessed the growth of this initiative into dedicated First Nations Rounds for both the WBBL and BBL. Cricket is one of Australia’s most popular sports, and it’s important for great events such as the Big Bash to engage and highlight our First Nation communities, and to celebrate and showcase our culture.

“Cricket has a long and deep connection with many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and we must continue to honour and amplify our voices in WBBL and BBL.”

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, said:

“The League is proud the First Nations Rounds are now a regular part of both the WBBL and BBL schedule as we take further steps to honour and learn from First Nations people and cultures.

“It was amazing the see the different ways the inaugural First Nations Rounds were embraced by players, clubs, communities and fans and we look forward to seeing it grow this year and in seasons to come.

“We are grateful to all those who contribute to our First Nations Rounds, from participation to education and attendance, and in particular we thank the Traditional Owners of the land on which our great game is played.”

WBBL|08 First Nations Rounds

November 6, 1:50pm AWST: Perth Scorchers v Adelaide Strikers, Lilac Hill, Whadjuk
November 7, 7:10pm AEDT: Melbourne Renegades v Hobart Hurricanes, Blundstone Arena, palawa
November 9, 12:00pm AWST: Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat, Lilac Hill, Whadjuk
November 10, 3:00pm AEDT: Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Renegades, CitiPower Centre, Boon Wurrung
November 11, 5:30pm ACDT: Hobart Hurricanes v Adelaide Strikers, Karen Rolton Oval, Kaurna
November 12, 10:15am AEDT: Melbourne Renegades v Perth Scorchers, CitiPower Centre, Boon Wurrung
November 12, 1:40pm AEDT: Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers, CitiPower Centre, Boon Wurrung
November 12, 5:30pm ACDT: Brisbane Heat v Hobart Hurricanes, Karen Rolton Oval, Kaurna
November 13, 10:15am AEDT: Sydney Sixers v Perth Scorchers, CitiPower Centre, Boon Wurrung
November 13, 1:40pm AEDT: Melbourne Stars v Melbourne Renegades, CitiPower Centre, Boon Wurrung
November 13, 2:30pm ACDT: Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Thunder, Centennial Park Oval (Nuriootpa), Ngadjuri
November 14, 5:30pm ACDT: Adelaide Strikers v Brisbane Heat, Karen Rolton Oval, Kaurna
November 15, 3:00pm AEDT: Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Stars, Latrobe Recreation Ground, palawa
November 15, 7:10pm, AEDT: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades, Manuka Oval, Ngunnawal
November 16, 3:00pm AEDT: Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes, Latrobe Recreation Ground, palawa
November 16, 7:10pm AEDT: Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat, North Sydney Oval, Cammeraygal

BBL|12 First Nations Rounds

January 13, 6:30pm AEDT: Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers, Sydney Showground Stadium, Wangal
January 14, 3:30pm ACDT: Adelaide Strikers v Brisbane Heat, Adelaide Oval, Kaurna
January 14, 7:30pm AEDT: Melbourne Renegades v Melbourne Stars, Marvel Stadium, Wurundjeri
January 15, 1:40pm AEDT: Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Thunder, Blundstone Arena, palawa
January 15, 7:15pm AEDT: Sydney Sixers v Perth Scorchers, SCG, Gadigal
January 16, 7:15pm AEDT: Melbourne Stars v Brisbane Heat, MCG, Wurundjeri
January 17, 7:15pm AEDT: Sydney Sixers v Adelaide Strikers, C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Gumbainggir
January 18, 4:40pm AWST: Perth Scorchers v Hobart Hurricanes, Optus Stadium, Whadjuk
January 19, 7:15pm AEDT: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades, Manuka Oval, Ngunnawal
January 20, 4:00pm ACDT Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers, Adelaide Oval, Kaurna
January 20, 7:00pm AEST: Brisbane Heat v Hobart Hurricanes, Gabba, Yugara

Additionally, the clubs below will wear their First Nations playing kit in the listed match outside the designated First Nations Rounds:

December 16, 5:05pm AEDT: Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes, MCG, Wurundjeri
December 29, 6:15pm AWST: Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars, Optus Stadium, Whadjuk