The upcoming Big Bash League (BBL)Hardie Named Stand-in Perth Scorchers Captain for BBL Season After Turner’s Injury finals might find new venues in Canberra and the Gold Coast due to scheduling clashes, raising the possibility of hosting matches away from traditional settings. Concurrently, discussions within the players’ union about regular-season games on Christmas Day are underway, with contrasting viewpoints among players and officials.
Adelaide Strikers, currently eyeing a top-four finish, could face the scenario of relocating their home final to Canberra due to venue unavailability amidst Australia’s Test summer schedule. This situation arises from potential clashes with Test matches scheduled at Adelaide Oval and the Gabba in Brisbane during the BBL finals week. Consequently, the Strikers might have to play their qualifier or knockout match at Manuka Oval instead of their usual home ground.
For the first-placed Heat, the impact also looms, albeit differently. Despite venue challenges, the Heat could host their finals matches in southeast Queensland at the 27,000-seat Heritage Bank Stadium (Carrara Oval) on the Gold Coast. Carrara emerges as a potential venue for any post-season matches the Heat earn the right to host, including the final scheduled on January 24, given the Gabba Test’s proximity.
The BBL playoffs adopted a top-four finals series this season, altering the format to feature first and second place teams battling for the final’s hosting rights, while third and fourth place teams engage in a sudden-death match.
Simultaneously, discussions surrounding the prospect of playing BBL matches on Christmas Day have surfaced, drawing attention from Australian Cricketers Association boss Todd Greenberg. While some players, like Sydney Sixers’ Moises Henriques, support the idea, concerns about logistics, including support staff and stadium personnel, have been raised. Melbourne Stars’ Tom Rogers expressed reservations, humorously mentioning his mother’s reluctance to let him play.
Greenberg acknowledged potential differing opinions among players regarding playing on Christmas Day, highlighting the need for open dialogue to explore the benefits and evolve with changing sporting landscapes.
The BBL recently moved away from scheduling a Christmas Eve match but is contemplating the possibility of a Christmas Night fixture, potentially enhancing viewership, especially with local derbies that minimize travel.
The Australian Cricketers’ Association has yet to conduct a survey among players on this matter, prompting Greenberg to emphasize the importance of discussions to weigh the advantages and adapt to evolving trends in sports scheduling.
