The BBL clash between the Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers on Thursday night has been abandoned.
As first reported by News Corp and later confirmed by Cricket Australia, a positive COVID-19 case among the Stars' coaching staff has seen a cancelation of the match which was due to be played at Melbourne's Marvel Arena.
All players have undergone PCR tests but the results are unlikely to be returned in time for the match start at 6:30pm (AEST).
Cricket Australia said it would advise of the new date for the match in due course.
"While regrettable, the decision to postpone tonight’s match was the only option available given the exposures within the Stars cohort," said General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson.
"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."
Unfortunately, tonight’s game will not go ahead as scheduled 😔⤵️ pic.twitter.com/0Ku7fY20qo
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 30, 2021
It's the second time the clash between the Stars and Scorchers has been postponed, but the first time the BBL has had to postpone a match due to COVID-19 complications since the pandemic started.
Despite outbreaks across the country and several clubs dealing with positive cases, the BBL has managed to limit the impact to its competition unlike most other professional sporting codes across Australia.
Thursday's blockbuster match was supposed to be the return of Pakistan World Cup star Haris Rauf to the Stars' side.
It comes after the ICC announced match referee for the Ashes series, David Boon, was also confirmed as a positive COVID-19 case and therefore unable to travel to Sydney for the fourth Test.
Boon's omission will see Steve Bernard, a member of the International Panel of ICC Referees and based in NSW, will take over the role for the Test match at the SCG.
All staff and players from both Australia and England squads and their families, as well as match officials have been having daily PCR tests since Monday, December 27th.
It follows an outbreak within England's camp which has since grown to seven cases and seen head coach Chris Silverwood test positive and forced into isolation.
Stars-Scorchers match postponed as COVID-19 hits BBL and Ashes series - Sporting News AU
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