The Big Bash League match between Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers slated to be played on Wednesday evening at Metricon Stadium has been postponed after twelve Heat players tested positive for COVID-19.
The club was in plans to arrange enough replacement players in the last 24 hours. However, the Brisbane Heat were unable to find enough replacement players in time forcing the clash at Metricon Stadium to be called off. BBL has been hit badly by Covid. Last week, the BBL match between Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers was called-off hours before the start due to the emergence of the COVID case in the Stars camp. Despite the increase in COVID-19 cases in the camp, BBL organizers are desperately trying to keep the tournament going.
“The League will advise a new date for the match as soon as possible. The Heat’s game tomorrow against the Melbourne Renegades at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong, remains scheduled to go ahead. The club is working through testing requirements for players to take part in match,” club stated in an official release.
Glenn Maxwell tests positive for COVID-19
Earlier on Wednesday, Melbourne Stars confirmed captain Glenn Maxwell returned a positive rapid antigen test for Covid-19. He underwent an RT PCR test and is currently isolating while awaiting the result. Reports also suggest that Cricket Australia (CA) is contemplating moving all teams to a single location in order to quickly resolve the scheduling issues in case of more COVID-19 positive tests.
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, said: “We acknowledge the wholehearted efforts of the Brisbane Heat to field a team tonight. However, in the time available it was not possible for them to secure the 13 players required. Hence the decision to postpone the match.
“At all times the League, in consultation with our Clubs, governments, broadcasters, partners, and venues have worked tirelessly to make the best decision for the whole competition. Based on the information available, with health and safety are the top priority. In this instance, the decision to postpone tonight’s match was the only option available. Given the number of cases within the Brisbane Heat squad. And the inability to secure the required number of players fit to take the field,” he added