The Hobart Hurricanes will play a home match in Launceston during BBL16, marking the first time Big Bash League cricket returns to northern Tasmania since the 2023-24 season.
Cricket Tasmania CEO Dominic Baker confirmed the fixture on July 8, saying the franchise expects fans to turn out “in their thousands” at UTAS Stadium.
The exact match date will be announced alongside the full BBL16 schedule in the coming weeks. Memberships for WBBL12 and BBL16 go on sale Thursday, July 9, with general tickets available from August.
Why Did the Hurricanes Leave Launceston?
Launceston was a regular fixture on the Hurricanes’ home schedule for years. However, the franchise shifted all home matches to Ninja Stadium in Hobart from the 2024-25 season onwards.
The reasons were largely commercial. Centralising home games at one venue simplified logistics, reduced costs, and made it easier for sponsors and broadcast teams to operate. But the move also meant fans in northern Tasmania lost access to live BBL cricket entirely.
Now, after two full seasons without a Launceston fixture, the franchise is correcting course.
What Are the Hurricanes Expecting From the Crowd?
Baker set the bar high. He pointed out that the Hurricanes’ average crowd at Ninja Stadium sits around 10,000 per match. For Launceston, he expects the northern crowd to outdo that figure.
“We want to see cricket and sports fans turn out in their thousands to prove that we should continue to prioritise a game here every year,” Baker said.
That last part is key. This isn’t a permanent return yet. It’s essentially a trial run. If Launceston delivers strong attendance, the franchise will likely commit to at least one northern fixture every season going forward.
Stadiums Tasmania CEO James Avery also welcomed the announcement. “We’re delighted to welcome Cricket Tasmania and the Big Bash League back to UTAS Stadium, bringing elite cricket to fans in northern Tasmania,” he said.
What’s Happening With BBL16 Overall?
The BBL16 season arrives during a period of massive change for Australian T20 cricket.
The biggest story is the confirmed merger between Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades into a single franchise, reducing the competition from eight teams to seven. Cricket Australia is also pushing ahead with plans to privatise the BBL, potentially selling franchise licences to private investors.
Against that backdrop, the Hurricanes’ commitment to expanding their footprint within Tasmania sends a positive signal. While the league restructures at the top, the franchise is investing in grassroots fan engagement at the local level.
The full BBL16 schedule drops in the next few weeks. Until then, Launceston fans can lock in their memberships from July 9 and start planning for the Hurricanes’ homecoming.
