Cricket Australia has confirmed all Big Bash League (BBL) teams will be based in a Melbourne hub in order to avoid further match postponements and play double-headers to catch up for rescheduled games due to COVID-19.
The news of a potential Melbourne hub for the BBL was first revealed last week after positive COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the league and clubs were forced to call up reserve-grade players due to player availability.
Despite all clubs being based in Melbourne, there will still be several matches played across Brisbane, Adelaide, and Sydney, with the clubs to fly in and out with a quick turnaround for events outside of Melbourne.
After the upcoming week, the league plans to have fully caught up with postponed matches excluding a match-up between the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers which is yet to be rescheduled.
To do so, the league will play 11 matches in one week with double-headers to take place at the MCG on Monday, in Geelong on Tuesday, and Marvel Stadium on Thursday.
Cricket Australia head of Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson, said all the league’s clubs except the Adelaide Strikers have been impacted by COVID-19.
“The past week has thrown many COVID-related challenges the Big Bash’s way,” Dobson said.
“But, throughout, we have remained steadfast in our resolve to safely and successfully complete the season.
“These changes are designed to help the league and clubs deliver on this while also reducing risks to players, support staff and the matches themselves.
“Having our players based in one state provides significantly greater flexibility to manage any further impacts of COVID-19
“From challenges also comes opportunity and we are excited by the prospect of some huge double header matchdays in Geelong and Melbourne.
“We also look forward to retaining matches in Adelaide, Brisbane and the January 15 Derby in Sydney and seeing home fans turning out for these games.
“We thank everyone who continues to work so hard behind the scenes to safely deliver the competition including all players, league and club staff, match officials, governments, broadcasters, partners, and venues,” he said.
All clubs are expected to progressively relocate their players and support staff to the Melbourne hub as several members of most clubs are still recovering from COVID-19 and are clearing the league’s protocols, before all clubs remaining in Melbourne under biosecurity protocols for the remainder of the season.
