The KFC Big Bash League will hold its annual First Nations Round from January 3-11, with the League and Clubs reaffirming their commitment to deepening meaningful connections with Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, through dedicated matches celebrating the First Nations and Traditional Owners of the land on which we live, work and play cricket.
Throughout First Nations matches, the BBL and clubs will showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and ceremony. Along with the barefoot circle, ochre hand ceremony, 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.
Each club will host its own dedicated match during the round, beginning on Wednesday, January 3 with the Sydney Sixers hosting the Brisbane Heat in front of a sold-out crowd in Coffs Harbour.
The Sixers will wear their First Nations Round jersey designed by accomplished local artist and Wiradjuri woman, Lua Pellegrini.
The Sixers shirt features all three of the club’s home grounds – the SCG on Gadigal Country, North Sydney Oval on Cammeraygal Country and Coffs International Stadium on Gumbaynggirr Country – with Sixers fans represented by six ‘U’ shaped symbols, representing people.
The ocean marks a significant aspect the design, highlighting the importance of Country for both the Gadigal people and Gumbaynggirr people as Saltwater Communities.
The circles within the design represent the various pieces of the Sixers community including the players, their families, coaches, staff, members and supporters, while the design featured on the sleeves and back of the shirt represents community coming together the way in which we are all connected to one another.
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, said:
“First Nations Round allows us to celebrate and honour our First Nations people and cultures across the country, acknowledge our Indigenous players and is an opportunity to continue to learn about First Nations culture.
“We are thankful for our Indigenous players in both the BBL and WBBL and are proud to see them play an important role as role models for young Indigenous cricketers throughout Australia.
“We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of all the lands on which cricket is played and especially thank those who are hosting us for our First Nations Rounds.”
KFC BBL|13 First Nations Round Fixtures:
January 3: Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat, C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Gumbaynggirr
January 3: Perth Scorchers v Adelaide Strikers, Optus Stadium, Whadjuk
January 4: Melbourne Renegades v Hobart Hurricanes, Marvel Stadium, Wurundjeri
January 5: Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers, Adelaide Oval, Kaurna
January 6: Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Wurundjeri
January 7: Brisbane Heat v Hobart Hurricanes, Gabba, Yugara
January 8: Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers, Sydney Showgrounds, Wangal
January 9: Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers, Adelaide Oval, Kaurna
January 10: Brisbane Heat v Perth Scorchers, Gabba, Yugara
January 11: Hobart Hurricanes v Adelaide Strikers, Blundstone Arena, Palawa