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The Big Bash League (BBL) is facing a big question mark after 11 players from Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder returned positive for Covid-19 tests. At a stage like this it is an uphill task for BBL to carry on the matches.
The Thunder, who have four cases, are due to play against the Strikers in Adelaide in December 31 annual new year's eve match, while the Stars' next match is at St Kilda against the Scorchers on January 2. The Stars returned eight positive COVID-19 cases among their support staff.
"First and foremost, we wish everyone affected by this outbreak a quick and speedy recovery," said Stars general manager Blair Crouch.
"The health and safety of our players and staff will continue to be our priority, especially with the challenges the new Omicron variant presents.
"We are providing all the support we can to players, staff and their families. I'd like to thank the medical teams at both Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia for their ongoing guidance and support."
Thursday's match postponed
The BBL has already been marred by Covid-19 after Thursday’s (December 30) match between Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers had to be postponed. A member of the Stars’ support staff contracted the virus prior to the game at the Docklands Stadium in Melbourne.
“While regrettable, the decision to postpone tonight’s match was the only option available given the exposures within the Stars cohort,” Alistair Dobson, the general manager of the Big Bash Leagues, said.
“The League has a number of biosecurity protocols in place to keep our participants safe and the competition moving forward. These protocols are regularly reviewed in response to the risks in each state. Safety remains our number one priority, and we will work with the Stars to get their side back on the field as soon as possible,” he explained.
“The staff member is being managed by Melbourne Stars medical staff in consultation with Cricket Australia and we look forward to them being able to return to the group in due course. We have key home matches scheduled on January 2 and 3 in Melbourne so we hope to have more clarity through testing over the next 24-48 hours,” Stars general manager Blair Crouch said.
The Stars and the Scorchers are set to face each other on January 2 at the Junction Oval in Melbourne.
