Cricket Australia held a launching ceremony for its much hyped Twenty20 Big Bash League.Dance anthems blared, Mojito glasses clinked and complimentary KFC was in plentiful supply as Australian cricket grasped for a semblance of edginess at the launch of the Twenty20 Big Bash League.Held at Carriageworks, a venue in Sydney s inner west that is more synonymous with hip-hop festivals and art exhibitions, the event brought together a vast array of cricketers, sponsors, media and various other hangers-on.Amid the mess, noise and a humdrum DJ set by a minor Australian celebrity, Erin McNaught, there was room for pondering about what it all meant. Cricket Australia are relentlessly hopeful about building the game s audience and revenue streams.The all eight franchises unveiled their captains and uniforms for the new competition.The captains for each franchise are: Adelaide Strikers – Michael Klinger Brisbane Heat – James Hopes Hobart Hurricanes – Tim Paine Melbourne Renegades – Andrew McDonald Melbourne Stars - Cameron White Perth Scorchers – Marcus North Sydney Sixers – Brad Haddin Sydney Thunder – David Warne The inaugural competition will begin on December 16 with a clash between the Sydney Sixers and the Brisbane Heat at the SCG, which will almost certainly feature some batting pyrotechnics from boom Heat signing, former Australian opener Matthew Hayden.This is the first of 28 matches until the regular games finish on January 19 as the Melbourne Stars play the Adelaide Strikers at the MCG.Two games that will be highlights, however, will occur in early January as the competition lights up through two local derbies as the Stars and Renegades face off at the MCG on January 7 before the Sixers and Thunder play the following day at ANZ Stadium.The semi finals will take place on January 21 (first v fourth) and January 22 (second v third) before the very first KFC T20 Big Bash League final will occur on January 28.
