What Is 2009-10 KFC Twenty20 Big Bash

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009–10 KFC Twenty20 Big Bash was the seventh and final edition of Australia's domestic Twenty20 cricket competition, running from December 14, 2009, to January 23, 2010, and won by Victoria, who defeated New South Wales by 34 runs in the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Key Facts

2009–10 KFC Twenty20 Big Bash ran from December 14, 2009, to January 23, 2010
Victoria won the tournament, defeating New South Wales by 34 runs in the final
Final match was held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with 58,940 in attendance
Six teams participated: Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia
This was the last edition before being replaced by the franchise-based Big Bash League in 2011
David Warner scored 240 runs, the tournament's top scorer
James Hopes took 12 wickets, leading the bowling charts

Overview

The 2009–10 KFC Twenty20 Big Bash was the final iteration of Australia’s state-based domestic Twenty20 cricket competition, serving as the precursor to the franchise-driven Big Bash League. Organized by Cricket Australia and sponsored by KFC, the tournament featured six state teams competing in a short-format, high-energy series designed to boost fan engagement during the summer break.

Played between December 14, 2009, and January 23, 2010, the competition culminated in a final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where Victoria claimed their first title by defeating New South Wales. This edition marked the end of an era, as Cricket Australia announced plans to restructure the format into a city-based franchise model starting in 2011.

Victoria won the final by 34 runs over New South Wales at the MCG on January 23, 2010, securing their first title in the competition’s history.
Six state teams participated: Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia, each representing their home state.
The final attracted 58,940 fans, making it one of the best-attended domestic T20 matches in Australia before the Big Bash League era.
David Warner was the tournament’s top run-scorer with 240 runs, showcasing his explosive batting for New South Wales.
James Hopes led the bowling charts with 12 wickets, playing a crucial role for Queensland throughout the group stage.

How It Works

The tournament followed a round-robin group stage followed by semi-finals and a final, with each team playing five group matches. Points determined the top two teams advancing to the final, emphasizing consistency and performance under pressure.

Format: The competition used a double round-robin structure in the group stage, where each team played five matches, followed by a final between the top two.
Scoring: Teams earned two points for a win and one for a no-result; the final standings were based on total points and net run rate.
Venues: Matches were hosted at major state grounds including the MCG, SCG, and the Gabba, ensuring broad national exposure and fan access.
Player Eligibility: Only contracted state players participated, with no international signings allowed, maintaining a domestic development focus.
Duration: The entire tournament spanned six weeks, with games typically scheduled on weekends or public holidays to maximize attendance.
Prize Money: The winning team received A$100,000, a significant incentive for state squads despite the absence of franchise contracts.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2009–10 KFC Twenty20 Big Bash with the inaugural 2011–12 Big Bash League:

Feature	2009–10 Big Bash	2011–12 Big Bash League
Structure	State-based teams	Franchise-based cities
Teams	6 (state teams)	8 (city franchises)
Player Recruitment	Domestic state players only	International stars allowed
Duration	6 weeks	7 weeks
Final Attendance	58,940 (MCG)	40,819 (ANZ Stadium)

The shift from state teams to city franchises reflected Cricket Australia’s strategy to increase commercial appeal and global visibility. While the 2009–10 edition drew strong crowds, the new model aimed to build brand loyalty through consistent team identities and international marquee signings.

Why It Matters

The 2009–10 KFC Twenty20 Big Bash holds historical significance as the last of its format, bridging traditional state cricket with modern franchise entertainment. Its conclusion paved the way for a more marketable, globally competitive domestic T20 league.

Transition milestone: The tournament marked the end of state-based T20 cricket in Australia, directly leading to the launch of the Big Bash League in 2011.
Player development: It provided a platform for emerging stars like David Warner and Shaun Tait to gain national exposure before international careers.
Commercial evolution: The move to franchises allowed for greater sponsorship, broadcasting deals, and fan engagement through team branding.
Attendance records: The final’s 58,940 attendance demonstrated strong public interest, justifying investment in future T20 ventures.
Global alignment: The shift mirrored international trends, aligning Australia with successful franchise models like the IPL and CPL.
Legacy impact: Many players from this tournament became foundational figures in the new BBL, ensuring continuity in Australian T20 cricket.

Though short-lived, the 2009–10 KFC Twenty20 Big Bash played a crucial role in shaping Australia’s modern cricket landscape, serving as a final tribute to state pride before the era of franchise entertainment began.