How the Socceroos and a state election will impact the WBBL final

All the key dates are locked in for the WBBL finals, but the timing of the decider remains up in the air because of two major events on that day.

Martin Gabor

less than 2 min read

October 21, 2022 - 2:00PM

NCA NewsWire

Cricket Australia wants the WBBL final to be given clear air. Picture; Paul Kane/Getty Images

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The dates have been locked in for this year’s WBBL finals, but the 2022 decider is going to face some stiff competition with the Socceroos and the Victorian state election both on the same night causing a scheduling headache for organisers.

The final is on November 26 but Cricket Australia has held off locking in a time given the Socceroos take on Tunisia in their second FIFA World Cup match at 9pm.

The results of the Victorian election could be known by that time as well, which means the WBBL final may be played earlier in the day to maximise ratings.

That decision won’t be made until the host city is known.

All eyes will be on the Socceroos when they take on Tunisia. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

The finals will begin on November 23 with the third-ranked team hosting the fourth-placed side in the Eliminator, with the winner advancing to the Challenger for a spot in the decider.

Those matches on Wednesday and Thursday will be played in prime time, with the winner of the Challenger to face the minor premiers for the WBBL title.

“We’re pleased to lock in dates for the Weber WBBL|08 Finals series, putting the final building blocks in place for our season,” Cricket Australia Big Bash Leagues general manager Alistair Dobson said.

“The Saturday scheduling for this season’s final for the third season in a row will give fans the best possible chance to attend the match and watch on television across the country.

“Similarly, midweek prime-time Eliminator and Challenger matches ensure fans around the country will be able to watch the action.

“It was a massive start to WBBL over the opening weekend in Mackay and Blacktown and we look forward to seeing more world class cricket from the game’s best players over the coming weeks.”

Ellyse Perry and the Sixers are off to a flying start and could feature in the finals. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Cricket Australia is hoping to match last year’s incredible figures, including a record WBBL stand-alone crowd of 15,511 watching the Scorchers win the title at Optus Stadium, with a further 535,000 fans streaming or watching the final on TV.

Originally published as How the Socceroos and a state election will impact the WBBL final