Next summer’s BBL will see 40 regular season matches played, up from 32 this season.

It means clubs will each play 10 matches next summer, with teams to play five home games and five away games (up from four and four).  

"We’re always looking at opportunities to grow the game and expand our fan base beyond traditional markets and demographics," Everard said in a Cricket Australia statement.

"The scheduling of the additional eight matches in a manner that complements the existing regular season fixture is aimed at encouraging more people to pick up a bat and ball and give cricket a go. 

"We haven’t yet finalised the locations of these additional matches yet, but we are working closely with clubs to explore options.”

And in regards to expansion, Everard said the league would remain an eight-team competition.  

"At present, there are no plans to increase the number of teams in the League in the immediate future, but we remain open minded about future expansion plans," he said.