Big Bash League (BBL) has decided to relocate to Victoria with all clubs to set up base in Melbourne in a bid to combat the COVID-19 outbreak in the Big Bash League (BBL) camps. Seven Big Bash League (BBL) clubs have been affected by the dreaded virus and the schedule was thrown haywire, with the worst sufferers being Melbourne Stars who reported 13 COVID-19 positive cases so far, including that of their captain Glenn Maxwell.
Seven out of the 11 matches from January 10-16 will take place in Victoria. A couple of games will still be played interstate, with teams scheduled to fly out on charter planes.
Big Bash League (BBL) Decided To Relocate To Victoria With All Clubs To Set Up Base In Melbourne To Combat Covid-19
Interstate games include the Sydney derby at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 15 and Brisbane hosting Adelaide at the Gabba on January 12. The Sydney Sixers’ game against the Perth Scorchers, for a place at the top of the table, will also go as per the old schedule on January 9.
In a statement, the Big Bash League (BBL) confirmed the postponed game between the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers will take place “in the coming days”. Meanwhile, dates for the five-team finals series currently remain unchanged. The final is scheduled to be played on January 28.
Brisbane Heat, however, may miss several of their first-choice XI for the match against the Adelaide Strikers after COVID-19 crippled their camp this week with 12 positive cases. The team was forced to debut eight players on January 6 against the Melbourne Renegades in Geelong.
Matthew Wade has decided to take an indefinite break from the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) due to personal reasons, The Hobart Hurricanes leader was not part of the 14 man-squad that will be taking on the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on Saturday (January 8) night. Matthew Wade’s immense experience will now be missed by the side while Peter Handscomb will be wearing the captaincy hat.
Adelaide Strikers Only Team In BBL Yet To Register A Single Covid-19 Case
The Sydney Sixers became the seventh out of the eight Big Bash League (BBL) clubs to be hit by the COVID-19. Four members of the squad have tested positive for the novel virus and have been asked to isolate themselves.
The Adelaide Strikers is the only team in the Big Bash League (BBL) so far that is yet to have a COVID-19 positive case so far. The Adelaide Strikers — the only team yet to have a COVID-positive case — will host two games ahead of the pink-ball Ashes Test in Hobart.
Revised BBL schedule from January 8-16 (all-time in AET)
January 8: Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Thunder, Marvel Stadium, 6:05 PM
Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes, The Gabba, 8:30 PM
January 9: Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers, Coffs International Stadium, 7:15 PM
January 10: Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder, MCG, 2:10 PM
Melbourne Stars vs Adelaide Strikers, MCG, 7:15 PM
January 11: Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars, GMHBA Stadium, 2:10 PM
Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers, GMHBA Stadium, 7:15 PM
January 12: Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers, The Gabba, 7:15 PM
January 13: Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes, Marvel Stadium, 3:45 PM
Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars, Marvel Stadium, 7:15 PM
January 14: Adelaide Strikers vs Perth Scorchers, Adelaide Oval, 10:40 AM
January 15: Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars, Adelaide Oval, 10:40 AM
Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder, SCG, 6:40 PM
January 16: Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat, MCG, 7:15 PM