With a successful debut campaign in the books that had begun to capture the nation's attention, the BBL returned bigger and better for its sophomore season.
More games in the calendar, the introduction of the 'free hit' for no-balls and further big-name international talent coming to the Aussie shores - headlined by Sri Lankan superstar Lasith Malinga - meant for even more excitement for the fledgling league. Malinga absolutely delivered on his part with a searing spell of 6-7 against the Perth Scorchers, which stands to this day as the best ever bowling figures in BBL history.
As the competition began to establish itself, as too did the rivalries. The Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades ignited their own feud as the late, great Shane Warne and West Indies signing Marlon Samuels stoushed mid-match at the MCG in scenes that have since become entrenched in BBL folklore.
The Melbourne Renegades ultimately had bragging rights with both that Melbourne Derby triumph and a top-of-the-table finish come season's end, however were knocked off their perch by the Brisbane Heat, who claimed their maiden title with a 34-run win over the Perth Scorchers.
Champion: Brisbane Heat
Runners Up: Perth Scorchers
Final Match Result: Brisbane Heat won by 34 runs
Player of the Tournament: Aaron Finch (Melbourne Renegades)
