Home

Women’s Big Bash League: Perth Scorchers’ opener against Brisbane Heat in Hobart to go ahead without crowds

Headshot of Jordan McArdle
Jordan McArdleThe West Australian
Beth Mooney of the Scorchers.
Camera IconBeth Mooney of the Scorchers. Credit: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Perth’s Women’s Big Bash League opener against Brisbane Heat in Hobart has been given the green light to go ahead on Sunday, but under strict biosecurity protocols.

Cricket Australia confirmed on Saturday morning that all four WBBL matches at Blundstone Arena would continue as planned this weekend, albeit without crowds.

The Scorchers were due to fly out for the Apple Isle on Friday afternoon before a snap three-day lockdown was announced by Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein due to a COVID-positive man escaping hotel quarantine.

The team is now set to take off on Saturday morning, a little under 24 hours after their original flight.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

All eight WBBL franchises will be based in Hobart for the beginning of the tournament, which kicked off at Blundstone Arena on Thursday night.

“The league and all eight clubs are incredibly thankful to the Tasmanian Government for allowing the Weber WBBL to safely continue in Hobart this weekend,” BBL general manager Alistair Dobson said.

The Game AFL 2024

“We’d also like to express our gratitude to players and staff from all clubs, plus match officials, broadcast partners and venue staff for their understanding as we worked through the final details with the Tasmanian Government. The experience gained from last summer means all involved in the Weber WBBL are well prepared to do whatever necessary to conduct a safe and successful competition this year.

“While we are disappointed not to be welcoming fans to Blundstone Arena this weekend, we hope they will enjoy all the action from all four games on Seven, Foxtel, Kayo and ABC Radio.”

Cricket Australia confirmed that all players, staff and match officials in Tasmania for the WBBL have received COVID-19 vaccinations and received the required negative test results.

As well as no crowds, accredited journalists and photographers will also not be allowed into the ground.

The three-day lockdown is due to end at 6pm on Monday if things go smoothly on the COVID front.

“We thank the Tasmanian Government for its support of Weber WBBL, including today’s endorsement of our plan to safely conduct matches this weekend,” CA said in a statement.

“The health and safety of our players, staff, match officials and partners, along with that of the wider community, is and has always been our top priority in delivering safe events in a biosecure environment.”

WEEKEND WBBL FIXTURES

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16

Melbourne Renegades v Hobart Hurricanes, Blundstone Arena, 12.40pm AWST

Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers, Blundstone Arena, 4.05pm AWST

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17

Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat, Blundstone Arena, 7.15am AWST

Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Sixers, Blundstone Arena, 10.40am AWST

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails