WBBL still might escape Tassie’s Covidtentacles – but no fans
DESPITE southern Tasmania being plunged into a three-day hard lockdown after a positive Covid-19 case, it appears likely the state government will approve a plan to allow the WBBL competition to continue under strict bubble protocols.
Cricket Australia relocated the opening two weeks of the quickfire competition to Tasmania in an effort to play the WBBL07 in full amid border closures and Covid clusters.
But the snap lockdown announced on Friday has threatened to derail the season.
There are four matches scheduled for this weekend, and despite early fears the games would be postponed, CA is working with the state government on a plan to have the games played with strict Covidprevention protocols, including a closed Blundstone Arena.
It’s understood CA and government officials were agreeing to the terms on Friday evening.
A CA spokesman confirmed it was aware of the Covid-19 situation in Tasmania and was working through its options with the safety of players, staff and the broader community the No.1 concern.
“The Weber Women’s Big Bash League acknowledges the decision of the Tasmanian government to call a three-day lockdown in the interests of public health,” CA said in a statement.
“The health and safety of our players, staff, match officials and partners, along with that of the wider community, remains our top priority. We are currently working with the Tasmanian government on options for the upcoming Weber WBBL07 matches at Blundstone Arena, Hobart, this weekend.
“All players, staff and match officials in Tasmania for the WBBL have received Covid-19 vaccinations and received the required negative Covid-19 test results.”
Seven of the eight WBBL teams have been training in Hobart this week and players from Sydney and Melbourne have already completed two weeks of hotel quarantine.
The Perth Scorchers were due to arrive in Hobart on Friday but the team delayed its flight by 24 hours and is now expected to arrive on Saturday ahead of their game against Brisbane Heat on Sunday.
The seventh season of the WBBL began on Thursday night with the Sydney Sixers beating the Melbourne Stars in Hobart.