Remaining matches of BBL may be held entirely in Melbourne

MELBOURNE: With COVID-19 rocking the ongoing Big Bash League, Cricket Australia (CA) may consider hosting the remainder of the tournament in Melbourne. A media report claimed that discussions are in the preliminary stage as Melbourne has multiple cricket grounds to complete the remainder of the league.

"Moving all eight Big Bash League clubs to Melbourne is one scenario Cricket Australia is considering in a bid to complete the season. Even though COVID-19 numbers are rising daily in Victoria, the prospect of using the MCG, Marvel Stadium, St Kilda Cricket Ground, and GMHBA Stadium to turbocharge the last portion of BBL11 is the attraction," said the report from Fox Cricket.

One of the main reasons which point in Melbourne's favour is that both Adelaide and Brisbane do not have so many grounds. Sydney, the host city for the fourth Ashes Test is seen as a greater risk due to the huge rise in cases and Hobart's Blundstone Arena is going to host the fifth Ashes Test, a day-night affair.

"The risk of more players being infected in Melbourne could be offset by greater fixture flexibility. With all teams in the same jurisdiction, the schedule could be changed on the run to complete the remaining 33 matches, including finals. One stumbling block would contract with the Gabba, Adelaide Oval, SCG, and Sydney Showgrounds — with tickets already sold for January games — though Cricket Australia could argue the Victorian solution is the only way forward," the report further said. IANS

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