Melbourne Stars, the Big Bash League (BBL) franchise based in Victoria, have announced a new fan engagement partnership with Bharat Army, the global Indian cricket supporters’ group, to launch a dedicated Fan Bay experience at selected Stars home matches for the ongoing BBL season.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the club’s connection with Melbourne’s diverse cricket audience, particularly its large and highly engaged South Asian fanbase, while enhancing the in-stadium atmosphere. The Fan Bay will operate as a designated seating and activation zone within the venue, offering supporters a more immersive, collective and high-energy matchday experience.
Under the partnership, Bharat Army will curate the Fan Bay environment, bringing its well-known organised supporter culture into the Big Bash League. This will include coordinated chants, drumming, flags, visual elements and structured fan engagement moments across pre-match and in-game periods. Melbourne Stars will integrate the Fan Bay into their wider matchday programming, supported by on-ground activations and digital amplification across club platforms.
Melbourne Stars General Manager, Max Abbott, said, “The Bharat Army have set the benchmark globally for bringing fans together and creating incredible experiences in the stands. While their support of Team India will always come first, we are delighted to welcome them to the Melbourne Stars family through our shared love of cricket.
“Importantly, the Stars Army bay will be open to everyone, so fans of all backgrounds can come to the MCG for the Bharat Army experience, which is centred on a passion for the game. I’m sure the energy and noise coming from bay M8 at the MCG will provide a boost to our players on the field.”
Rakesh Patel, Founder of the Bharat Army, added, “The Bharat Army represents a unique and innovative voice, united by an unrivalled passion for supporting cricket. As a global community of fans, friends and family, associating with the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League is something truly special for us.
“We have shared countless memories at the MCG supporting India, and to now come together with the Stars to celebrate fandom, passion, and the spirit of the game feels very natural. This collaboration reflects how cricket goes beyond teams and borders, and we’re excited to bring our energy, colour, and voice to the Stars this season.”
The partnership reflects a broader shift within the Big Bash League towards community-led engagement models as clubs look to differentiate the live stadium experience and drive attendance. By working with an established global supporters’ group, the Stars are seeking to convert culturally engaged cricket fans into consistent, long-term matchgoing supporters.
From a commercial perspective, the Fan Bay also creates new activation opportunities for partners looking to engage directly with younger, socially active and culturally connected audiences through targeted in-stadium experiences.
The Fan Bay will be rolled out at selected Melbourne Stars home fixtures this season, with the potential for expansion across additional matches based on fan response.
On the field, the Stars women’s team enjoyed a strong Women’s Big Bash League campaign, finishing in the top four before exiting the competition in the Knockout against Perth Scorchers Women. The men’s team, featuring Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tom Curran, Scott Boland and Haris Rauf, begin their BBL campaign against Hobart Hurricanes on December 18.
The collaboration marks a further step in Bharat Army’s expansion beyond international cricket into domestic leagues, while underlining Melbourne Stars’ strategy of using fan-led initiatives to build atmosphere, deepen engagement and strengthen supporter loyalty.
