Last Updated on 4 years ago by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Joe Burns offers possible solution to revamp BBL | Joe Burns offers ideas on how to revamp the Big Bash League

Melbourne Stars, Queensland and former Australia Test batsman Joe Burns has offered a possible solution to help revamp the Big Bash League (BBL).

The BBL, which has seen some record low crowds this season, has not had the same feel in recent years. After a hugely successful first few years, Cricket Australia (CA) shifted the BBL into a full home-and-away season – the kind you see in the lucrative IPL.

However, factors such as the unavailability of Australian and overseas internationals due to national commitments, as well as COVID-19 this season, has seen the BBL lose some of its edge.

Joe Burns on how CA can revamp the BBL

Taking to Twitter, Burns offered an interesting solution to improve the BBL. Instead of the current 14 rounds with at least one match played on most days, Burns wants a return to an eight-round competition that takes place on weekends, much like Australia’s football codes during the winter.

“Next years MBBL should be 8 rds played on a Fri/Sat/Sun with 1 rd each weekend. T20 WC in October will create a lot of content before BB so lets make each game an event with big build ups/story lines/crowds similar to the winter codes,” tweeted Burns.

Also, Burns believes that it’s time that the Sheffield Shield season is no longer compromised by an extended BBL season. As the Test matches go on, the Australian selectors don’t have an idea on who is in red-ball form, as players across the country are on a heavy diet of white-ball cricket.

Such a predicament has not hurt Australia’s national side this season, owing somewhat to England’s struggles. However, it was felt last season as the Aussies were unable to overcome an India side decimated by injuries and absentees.

“Would also allow some mid week shield games,” wrote Burns.

Also, in response to a fan query, Burns said that having Shield games will keep players in some form.

“Because the commentators keep saying how there is no red ball cricket for two months of the year? This way they can keep guys playing long format cricket for the summers test series without withdrawing the best players for tour games,” said Burns.

BBL 11 is scheduled to end on January 28, with the Sheffield Shield season to resume soon after. This is well beyond the Ashes series, which is set to be completed after the Hobart Day/Night Test starting 14 January.