Culture and ceremony at forefront of BBL First Nations Round

Callan Morse
Callan Morse Published January 2, 2024 at 2.00pm (AWST)

The Big Bash League's annual First Nations Round commences on Wednesday, with all eight BBL clubs set to showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and ceremony.

The 10 fixtures, held from January 3-11 will see immersive First Nations experiences created both on an off-field through music and art.

Planned events include barefoot circles, ochre hand ceremonies, Welcome to Country ceremonies and the incorporation of traditional languages.

Highlights of the round include the Perth Scorchers facing the Adelaide Strikers for the Jason Gillespie Trophy on Wednesday, followed by the return leg at Adelaide Oval on Friday where Coodjinburra musician, Budjerah will perform.

The Melbourne Renegades supporters will again unite for a walk into Marvel Stadium in partnership with Michael Long and The Long Walk ahead of their January 4 match against the Hobart Hurricanes.

Concluding the round at Blundstone Arena on Thursday, January 11, the Hobart Hurricanes and visiting Adelaide Strikers will take part in an ochre hand ceremony prior to the start of play.

Cricket Australia's General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson said First Nations Round celebrates and honours First Nations people and cultures across the country, acknowledging the game's Indigenous players whilst being 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," Mr Dobson said.

"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."

Cricket Australia says the round reaffirms 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 cricket is played.

As part of BBL|13 First Nations Round, teams will also wear a uniform designed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, with each design sharing the unique stories connected to the traditional lands of each club.

KFC BBL|13 First Nations Round Fixture

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

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