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:https://www.chickensaltoftheearth.com/shop/category/Cricket-Unfiltered?c=5469591 🎁 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 Subscribe to our YouTube page for live streams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7koDKpKxe0e3yC7NXQx6Q Linktree for listening on podcast apps and finding us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cricketunfiltered Show twitter: https://twitter.com/auscricketpod Menners on twitter:  https://twitter.com/amenners TIKTOK: @cricketunfiltered Sponsorship enquiries for host read ads: [email protected] Email the show your cricket takes: [email protected] Piccolo Podcasts: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ Founder Andrew Menczel. The first episode aired August 2013.  It is a multi award-winning podcast team, the show has featured 15 Australian captains and some of the greatest legends of cricket and an episode is archived in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. Menners is an accredited cricket journalist and commentator and his interview with Alex Blackwell won a Cricket NSW Media Award. The show was the first ever regular weekly Australian cricket podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices