Cricket News By TODAYLIVESCORE.INFO - WBBL to proceed despite Tasmania lockdown. Tasmania government had ordered a three-day lockdown due to a fresh COVID-19 case in the state
Tasmania government had ordered a three-day lockdown due to a fresh COVID-19 case in the state
The four weekend Women's Big Bash League games in Hobart will proceed as per the original schedule – albeit without on-ground audience – despite a three-day snap lockdown in Tasmania amid fresh outbreak of COVID-19 in the state, the league announced on Saturday (October 16).
In a later development though, Perth Scorchers' season opener, against Brisbane Heat, on Sunday has been swapped with the morning game, meaning the Sydney Sixers will take on Hobart Hurricanes first on October 17.
The move comes on the back of Scorchers' late arrival in Hobart, on Saturday, after they were forced to defer their flight on Friday by 24 hours following the lockdown news that created an air of uncertainty over the remainder of the first 24-game schedule awarded to the state amidst a roster rejig ahead of the season. However, successful negotiations between the Tasmanian government and Cricket Australia has ensured the weekend schedule goes ahead as planned, with the public not allowed at the venue though amidst strict lockdown restrictions and the competition's bio-security protocols.
“The league and all eight clubs are incredibly thankful to the Tasmanian Government for allowing the Weber WBBL to safely continue in Hobart this weekend,” said Alistair Dobson, CA's head of Big Bash League.
“We'd also like to express our gratitude to players and staff from all clubs, plus match officials, broadcast partners and venue staff for their understanding as we worked through the final details with the Tasmanian Government. The experience gained from last summer means all involved in the Weber WBBL are well prepared to do whatever necessary to conduct a safe and successful competition this year.”
The sudden lockdown in Hobart also had an impact on Friday's One-Day Cup match between Western Australia and Tasmania in Perth, where the toss and start of game was pushed back an hour as the Tasmania players waited for police clearance to leave their hotel.
While Hobart's snap lockdown is due to end before the next round of WBBL fixtures, on Tuesday, any emergence of further cases or an extension of the lockdown could still have a significant impact on the season.
Tasmania was given the first 24 games of the seventh edition of the league, due to be held in Hobart and Launceston, before the competition moves to Western Australia, South Australia and northern Queensland.
Players arriving in the state from Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra underwent 14 days of hotel quarantine on arrival in Tasmania.
“All players, staff and match officials in Tasmania for the Weber WBBL have received COVID-19 vaccinations and received the required negative COVID-19 test results,” the WBBL said in a statement.
