KFC, Seven Back For T20 Max

KFC has extended its commitment to Queensland Premier Cricket with a new three-year sponsorship that will again see it take on the naming rights of the T20 Max and Queensland Premier Cricket competitions.
 
KFC will also be prominently displayed on the Queensland Bulls and Queensland Fire playing kits this season, the first time since 2010 that it has been featured on Queensland team apparel.
 
Seven has signed on for a second season as host broadcaster of the T20 Max after streaming 17 matches live and free on 7plus Sport last season, with the men’s and women’s matches attracting a strong following.
 
Since its inception in 2022, the KFC T20 Max has provided an ideal T20 pathway, attracting male and female players from overseas and interstate and strengthening KFC Queensland Premier Cricket club line-ups. 
 
As well as inspiring a reinvigorated Premier Cricket Competition, the competition has provided a productive launching pad for aspiring T20 cricketers to showcase their talent and catch the attention of W/BBL teams. 
 
KFC, through Collins Food Group, has been a valued supporter of Queensland Cricket for almost 30 years, backing Premier Cricket and State-based initiatives since 1998.
 
"KFC has been part of the Queensland Cricket journey for almost 30 years, so extending our partnership was an easy decision,” says Krystal Zugno, General Manager Australian Operations. 
 
The growth of the KFC T20 Max has been exciting to watch, and we're thrilled to continue supporting a competition that creates opportunities for players, clubs and communities across Queensland.
 
We're looking forward to another memorable season both on and off the field."
 
The Brisbane Heat will again look to performances in the KFC T20 Max for contract spots on their BBL|16 and WBBL|12 lists, with pace bowler Oli Patterson and batter Annie O’Neil earning Heat deals off the back of stand-out efforts last season for Wests in the T20 Max.
 
Seven’s initial broadcasting involvement last season was the centrepiece of the competition’s most-watched T20 Max season.
 
With games also shown in India and Bangladesh through Fancode, and streamed throughout Australia on 7Plus and YouTube, the KFC T20 Max had 1.7 million minutes viewed.
 
Backed by a dedicated social media strategy and roll-out, the KFC T20 Max exceeded 13 million views across all platforms.
 
There were 18 international players featured and more than 50 players with WBBL or BBL experience on show.
 
Pete Lock, General Manager – Marketing and Commercial of Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Heat said:
 
“We are delighted that KFC will continue to back Queensland Cricket for a further three years, especially in such a key aspect of our game as the T20 Max competition,’’ Lock said.
 
“KFC have been a staunch supporter of cricket in this State for nearly three decades, and their strong connections to the grassroots in this time represent a generational commitment.
 
“Since implementing the T20 Max competition in 2022, we have seen the vital role it has played in growing the health and strength of Premier Cricket in Queensland.
 
“Each year the T20 Max provides players with the opportunity to showcase their skills and ability and ultimately achieve a WBBL or BBL contract, or a place in a State squad.
 
“Queensland Cricket congratulates the Premier Clubs and their hard-working coaches and volunteers for their on-going commitment to KFC and the T20 Max and wishes all players good fortune ahead of this year’s competition.
 
Lock thanked Channel 7 for its commitment to streaming and supporting the KFC T20 Max, delivering outstanding access for fans and supporters to the future stars of the game.
 
“Anyone who watched Jack Wildermuth and Matt Renshaw combine in the historic BBL run chase at the Gabba against the Perth Scorchers in December would no doubt class it as one of the most exciting games they had witnessed.
 
“But those keen fans who enjoyed the T20 Max a few months earlier would have seen both players produce spectacular innings in their club colours to foreshadow what was to come. Having such performances streamed on 7 Plus can only benefit the competition and Premier Cricket.
 
“It’s outstanding to have Channel 7 complement their Big Bash commitment through by delivering world class national coverage of the T20 Max.”
 
The KFC T20 Max will commence on 19 August for the women’s competition and on 21 August for the men. More than 200 interstate and internationally based players have nominated so far for the competition, with Premier clubs currently working through their squad make-up.

Games will again be played under lights at Allan Border Field and Premier Grade grounds such as Ian Healy Oval (Norths).
 
There will be 15 matches in the male and female competitions broadcast on 7plus Sport, including Finals, with the bulk of clubs having at least one TV game.