The Big Bash League has decided to move all eight franchises to the Victoria hub for the remaining fixtures of the ongoing edition to counter Covid-19 outbreaks within the camps. Eleven games will be played between January 10 and 16. Some of the matches will still be played interstate, with the teams flying in and out of the hub via charter flights.
The interstate fixtures include Brisbane Heat hosting Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba on 12 January and the Sydney derby between the Sixers and Thunder at the SCG on 15 January. The Strikers are the only team without a Covid-19 case.
Schedule news! 🗞🚨 (1/2)#BBL11 pic.twitter.com/K3uvZXj5Vb
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 8, 2022
‘The past week has thrown many Covid-related challenges the Big Bash's way, but throughout, we have remained steadfast in our resolve to safely and successfully complete the season,’ said BBL general manager Alistair Dobson. ‘These changes are designed to help the league and clubs deliver on this, while also reducing risks to players, support staff and the matches themselves. Having our players based in one state provides significantly greater flexibility to manage any further impacts of Covid-19.’
Dates for the five-game finals remain unchanged, but it is unclear whether the franchises with hosting rights will be able to play in front of the fans. The finals series will begin on 21 January with the Eliminator and will end on 28 January.
With 29 points from 10 matches, Perth Scorchers are at the top of the points table. The Stars are at the bottom with 10 points, but they have also played the fewest (eight) matches. The other six teams have played nine matches each.