HOBART’S CUP COUP

One-day comp returns here, including two finals

DOMESTIC one-day cricket will return to Tasmania for the first time since 2013 with Blundstone Arena to host three games, including the two finals.

It is believed Cricket Australia will release the fixture later this month, but it will include a roster game featuring the Tigers, the preliminary final and the grand final all in Hobart in the second half of October.

The introduction of the early-season tournament-style set-up for the domestic 50-over game saw nearly all games played in and around Sydney or Brisbane.

Tasmania’s last real home game was a 37-run defeat at the hands of NSW in a day-night fixture on February 11, 2013.

The Tigers, the three-time domestic 50-over champions, have struggled in the tournament-style set-up.

They have finished no higher than fourth in the four seasons since the competition was introduced.

It is also understood Cricket Tasmania aims to announce its Tigers and Roar contract list by the end of this week as well.

Canberra fast bowler Tom Rogers and Sydney top-order batsman Charlie Wakim have been training with the Tigers’ squad since the start of May under new coach Adam Griffith.

Queensland and Brisbane Heat fast bowler Nick Buchanan — son of former Australian coach John — is another who has been offered a CT contract.

But he had his relocation stalled because of the pay dispute that was finally only settled earlier this month.

It will be a tight squeeze for the Blundstone Arena curators, who will have TSL finals at the venue in September and then have to get a pitch prepared for the 50over cricket games.

While none of the games will be televised on free-to-air channels because of Channel 9’s decision to broadcast the women’s Ashes series instead, all games will be streamed by CA.

The tournament was previously called the Matador Cup, but it is understood the event will have a new name for the 2017-18 season.