BBL 2021-22: Five matches moved out of Perth due to Covid-enforced border issues

Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that five 2021-22 Big Bash League games scheduled at Perth’s Optus Stadium will move out to other venues due to state border issues. Owing to the sharp upsurge of Covid-19 cases in New South Wales, the Western Australia government has imposed restrictions on travel, which means that the fixtures scheduled in Perth cannot go forward.

All the teams were supposed to travel to Perth through New South Wales or Victoria in the next two weeks before their scheduled games. Victoria has been classified as “extreme risk” by the Western Australian government, whereas the borders will be completely shut for New South Wales from December 18 onwards.

As things stand, Perth’s encounter against Hobart, which was scheduled to be played at Optus Stadium on Monday (December 20), has been shifted to Blundstone Arena; the games against Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars on December 26 and December 30 respectively will now be played at Marvel Stadium, whereas the status of the encounters against Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers on January 5 and January 6 respectively is yet to be confirmed.

We are grateful to all stakeholders for understanding these circumstances: BBL chief

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, 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.

This development comes after the fifth Ashes Test, which was earlier scheduled to be conducted at Perth’s WACA Ground, has been rescheduled to Hobart, which will now host the second day-night fixture of the series after 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.”