The Perth Scorchers were given an international boost ahead of the historic Big Bash League opener in Chennai, with Western Australian Premier Roger Cook plugging the franchise during an investment and trade mission through India and Vietnam.

Western Australian showcase events in Mumbai and Delhi are set to promote the state's investment opportunities, tourism sector and creative industries. The initiative also includes promoting the first-ever BBL match to be played outside Australia, with the Perth Scorchers to face the Melbourne Renegades in Chennai.

Perth Scorchers partner with WA Government ahead of historic Chennai fixture

During a Western Australian showcase event in Mumbai, the Premier Roger Cook announced a new partnership between the Perth Scorchers and Cook's global State of Energy campaign.

This new initiative would work towards spreading the word of Western Australia's industries, strengths and investment opportunities to international markets.

In addition to this, Roger Cook was gifted a signature Perth Scorchers jersey that gave him an opportunity to showcase a different side of WA to key stakeholders.

The Perth Scorchers are set to kick off their 2026 Big Bash League season with the Melbourne Renegades in Chennai's iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday, December 12.

The match is expected to be the opening match of KFC BBL|16.

The landmark contest will also be the first-ever Big Bash League match played outside of Australia, which organizers are expecting to generate a global audience. The match will be aired by the Seven Network and Fox Cricket in Australia while JioStar will telecast it across India.

The fixture in Chennai will provide an international platform for Australian cricket as well as open up Western Australia's sporting identity and Perth Scorchers brand to cricket enthusiasts in India.

The Perth Scorchers, who boast six KFC BBL titles, enter the season as the most successful franchise in BBL history. They see their historic overseas fixture as an opportunity to connect with a wider audience and expand their international audience.

Roger Cook highlights trade, investment and job opportunities

Premier Roger Cook's investment and trade mission to India and Vietnam is aimed at reinforcing Western Australia's international partnerships. The mission will further facilitate the state's energy transition, expand direct aviation and tourism links, promote primary industries and develop skills and training pathways.

The mission's objective is to further strengthen WA's role as a key partner across the Indian Ocean region while opening up job opportunities for Western Australians.

Speaking about the upcoming BBL fixture, Roger Cook said: “Having the Big Bash League hold its first-ever international match with the Perth Scorchers is both an enormous opportunity for WA and for our fantastic host city Chennai.”

He added that the enthusiasm for cricket in India and the hype around the opening fixture were also evident during his visit.

“I want to create quality local jobs for Western Australians, and one way to do that is by boosting our trade and investment relationships with the countries that we were in at the time.”

Cook further highlighted India's role as one of WA's major trading partners and said trade missions are an important way to build relationships and promote WA's capabilities internationally.

Adam Voges excited about Perth Scorchers' historic India appearance

Perth Scorchers head coach Adam Voges is excited about the franchise's upcoming appearance in Chennai as he acknowledges the significance of the first international BBL fixture.

“The Perth Scorchers are incredibly proud and excited to be making history by opening the first-ever BBL match in Chennai. Expectations are high, and we have a strong team.”

Voges, who recently visited Chennai, also spoke about the preparations at the venue and the atmosphere. “I was recently in Chennai, and the pitch is looking great and the mood is electric.”

Scorchers head coach also acknowledged the support the franchise receives from Indian cricket fans in Perth while stating that the team hopes to increase its following across India and further propagate its history and identity.

“We love engaging with cricket fans wherever they are in the world, and we're proud of the style of cricket we play. I think fans in Chennai, and across India, are going to enjoy what they see.”

With the historic fixture approaching, the Perth Scorchers are set to blend their proven BBL pedigree with a new international chapter when they take on the Melbourne Renegades in Chennai on December 12.