Bendigo cricket returns to pool format after two-year knockout experiment
Bendigo District Cricket Association is ditching knockout format for Twenty20. Pool play, semi-finals, and a grand final return this season.
The Bendigo District Cricket Association is switching back to pool-format Twenty20 after two seasons of straight knockout play. The change will restore semi-finals for the first time since 2014-15 and end with a grand final.
Under knockout, teams with early losses played just one game. Pool format makes the season longer.
It adds Sunday matches alongside Wednesday and Thursday night games at the QEO. The 2026-27 BDCA season kicks off this Saturday.
Strathdale-Maristians won the last grand final. They are the most successful T20 club with seven Bendigo Advertiser Shield wins since the competition started in 2008-09.
- 2008-09 season
- Competition start
- 7 Bendigo Advertiser Shield wins
- Strathdale-Maristians titles
- Strathdale-Maristians
- Last grand final winner
- First time since 2014-15
- Semi-finals return
Why it mattersPool format gives more teams meaningful games later in the season. It builds toward a big grand final rather than ending early.
AustraliaBendigo cricket players and fans will see a longer, more competitive T20 season with knockout drama returning to the finals.
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