Cricket: Kiwi team could join BBL - Vettori

Dan Vettori played in the Big Bash League but has since turned his hand to coaching. Photo / Getty

Kiwi cricket fans could one day have a rooting interest in the Big Bash League if Dan Vettori gets his way.

The retired Black Caps all-rounder, currently coaching the Brisbane Heat in the BBL, believes a New Zealand side would be a welcome addition to the eight-team twenty20 competition.

"From a New Zealand perspective, we'd love to (have a team)," Vettori told Crocmedia in Australia. "It's just I suppose working through the logistics of it."

Vettori thought the BBL could easily co-exist alongside the Georgie Pie Super Smash in New Zealand, which runs from November to mid-December, especially with matches in Australia airing at attractive times for Kiwi viewers.

"I know it'd be popular," Vettori said. "I know people sit down at 8.30pm, 9.30pm at night and watch the Big Bash and watch it all the way through. Certainly the numbers of people that know about the Big Bash and have a real affinity with it in New Zealand are huge."

The BBL had previously explored the option of inviting teams from New Zealand and South Africa, potentially creating a competition called the Southern Premier League similar to the old Super Rugby model. And while scheduling was an issue in initial investigations, BBL boss Mike McKenna wouldn't rule out the inclusion of a New Zealand team in future seasons.

"We're looking at our growth, so whatever form that takes," McKenna said.

"We're very keen to work with New Zealand cricket, they're very strong at the moment."

Any expansion across the Ditch would see cricket follow the lead of league, football and basketball in featuring a Kiwi team in an Australian competition, while rugby and netball boast true transtasman leagues.