Steve Smith Lights Up the BBL — Plus a Major New Co-Host Announcement

The Big Bash League reaches fever pitch as Steve Smith and David Warner produce a stunning SCG spectacle, while controversy erupts around player behaviour, team dynamics, and proposed new BBL rules. Menners and Damien Watson unpack Perth Scorchers’ dominance, Sydney Sixers’ brutal finals travel scenario, and Babar Azam’s difficult tournament under intense scrutiny. The episode also features strong reactions from Mitchell Starc and David Warner to the newly announced “designated batter” rule, analysis of record-breaking TV ratings for the BBL, and discussion around Australia’s T20 squad selection for the upcoming Pakistan tour. Broader questions about the future of the Big Bash, including private ownership and long-term identity, are also explored. Plus, a major show update: former Australian Test spinner Stuart MacGill is announced as a regular new co-host, adding a fresh and experienced voice to the program moving forward. The episode wraps with positive news on Damien Martyn’s recovery and a look at emerging Australian talent in the T20 format. (1:33) Big Bash booming: crowds, ratings, finals picture and Perth’s dominance (7:18) Babar Azam controversy, Steve Smith strike dispute & cultural clash (16:20) Starc and Warner react strongly to the new BBL “designated batter” rule (23:05) Record BBL TV ratings, comparison with Australian Open & future concerns Cricket Unfiltered Merchandise is Here! We’ve launched our official Cricket Unfiltered merch store thanks to a brilliant partnership with Exactamundo, a longtime supporter of the show. 🛒 Shop now: 🎁 Use Promo Code: CU10 for 10% off your first order! From caps to tees, rep your love of cricket with some top-quality gear. Exactamundo is a video, animation, design and content production company. They produce digital signage, on-screen graphics, sideline animations and videos for sports teams like the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL and numerous American NBA, NFL and MLB teams. They also create high quality videos and animations for the corporate world, such as product promos and explainer videos. Check them out at exactamundo.com.au Get the inserted AD’s FREE VERSION of the show on our Patreon Page

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Steve Smith Lights Up the BBL — Plus a Major New Co-Host Announcement is an episode from Cricket Unfiltered by Menners/Piccolo Podcasts.

This episode is 51:05 long.

This episode was published on Jan 21, 2026.

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