ZCZC
BSP-03
CRICKET-AUS-BBL-PANDEMIC
Australia’s T20 Big Bash delayed, more venues to be used
SYDNEY, Nov 5, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Australia’s Big Bash League was Thursday
pushed back a week, but organisers confirmed it will be played in multiple
cities with state borders reopening after coronavirus shutdowns.
The 10th season of the eight-franchise Twenty20 tournament was intially due
to begin on December 3, but it will now start seven days later.
The women’s version is currently being played entirely in Sydney and there
were concerns that also might be the case for the men.
But news in recent days that several state borders are set to reopen
following a sharp drop in new coronavirus cases has allowed Hobart, Canberra,
Brisbane and Adelaide to host 21 matches during December.
Venues for games in the new year will be announced over the coming weeks
with hopes that Melbourne can be added.
“This is without doubt the most complex fixturing task ever undertaken by
the BBL and we are excited with where it has landed,” said Cricket
Australia’s Big Bash League head Alistair Dobson.
“It has been a difficult year for so many people around Australia and we
look forward to bringing the BBL to every state should border conditions
allow us to.”
All three of the world’s top-ranked Twenty20 players — spinner Rashid
Khan, batsman Dawid Malan and allrounder Mohammad Nabi — have signed on to
play the tournament.
The action will start in Hobart with the Hurricanes facing the Sydney
Sixers before the Melbourne Stars take on Brisbane Heat a day later in
Canberra.
BSS/AFP/RY/10:48hr