Cricket Australia (CA) has decided that 5 Big Bash League (BBL) games scheduled for Perth’s Optus Stadium in 2021-22 will be moved to other destinations owing to state border concerns. Due to an increase of Covid-19 instances in New South Wales, the Western Australian government has undertaken travel restrictions, which implies that the Perth matches cannot proceed.
All the teams were scheduled to fly to Perth via New South Wales or Victoria in the next 2 weeks prior to their games being scheduled. The Western Australian government declared Victoria as “extreme risk,” while New South Wales’ borders will be restricted from December 18.
As things are at the moment, Perth’s match against Hobart, which has been planned to be performed at Optus Stadium on 20th December, has been switched to Blundstone Arena; the games versus Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars on 26th December and 30th December will now be continued to play at Marvel Stadium (BBL) , and the classification of the games against Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers on 5th and 6th January is still unclear.
Our thanks go to the Scorchers for their understanding: Alistair Dobson (BBL General Manager)
Alistair Dobson, CA’s General Manager of BBL, said “We understand this is a disappointing decision for the Scorchers’ passionate fanbase, but in the current environment we want to provide certainty for members, fans, players, match officials, and staff. While our preference was to play these matches in Perth, this was simply not possible under the current arrangements when all factors are taken into account.”
“Our thanks go to the Scorchers for their understanding in these difficult circumstances. We are also grateful to all other affected Clubs, partners, broadcasters, and venues for their ongoing flexibility as we navigate our way through the season,” he added.
The five remaining #BBL11 matches scheduled to be played at Optus Stadium, Perth will be relocated to alternate venues. pic.twitter.com/tIGXaiUF4B
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 16, 2021
This follows after the 5th Ashes Test, which was originally planned to be played at Perth’s WACA Ground, was moved to Hobart, which will now stage the series’ 2nd day-night match following the first in Adelaide.
“This is a famous victory for Tasmania,” premier Peter Gutwein said. “This top-level international event will be the biggest sporting event our state has ever hosted”. “I’d like to thank Cricket Tasmania for their support with our bid. Also Cricket Australia for the way they engaged with us on this. And for making the right decision in the interests of cricket and development of the game across the country.”
