PlayHQ scoring system ‘a complete mess’ according to local SA cricket members

A new online scoring system rolled out by Cricket Australia continues to frustrate local SA players, coaches and executives, with some warning it could damage the current season.

A new online scoring system has been labelled as ‘a complete mess’ by local SA cricket players, staff and executives.

SACA endorsed the PlayHQ cricket management system rolled out by Cricket Australia at the start of this season but there have been glaring and consistent issues up until the halfway point of the season.

The system, which is accessible by website or app and will have phased out MyCricket by 2024, was tested in the Northern Territory earlier this year and has garnered negative attention in the SA cricket community for a lack of statistics and regular live match update errors.

One SA league official said the system was negatively impacting the current season.

“MyCricket was launched in 2008 and was getting on a bit so I understand something new being brought in but at least MyCricket did the job,” they said.

“PlayHQ is a complete mess at the moment – it worked for footy or basketball but it just simply wasn’t ready to roll out for cricket. There are so many holes in it – we’re halfway through the season and people still can’t see accumulated batting or bowling stats for this year let alone lifetime stats.

Adelaide’s Sam Scrimgeour bets against Prospect in Premier Cricket’s first grade. Multiple SA competitions have been critical of MyCricket successor PlayHQ so far this season. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“There have been a lot of faults when it comes to live scoring as well. It looks like it could be a better system moving forward but it’s like we’ve been used as guinea pigs in the meantime – we experience all the problems and then they eventually get fixed.”

SA cricket fans and participants are not the first in Australia to vent frustration with Play HQ, with Townsville and New South Wales also experiencing significant issues through their seasons.

Cricket NSW even published an apology video on its Facebook in October regarding the implementation of the new system.

“I’m amazed it has been brought in despite complaints from other states, especially in NT earlier this year,” the league official said.

“It’s very worrying and possibly damaging considering we’re coming up to the business end of the season, leagues have presentation nights, awards, reports, but no one can see any accumulative stats for these events.

“At times it doesn’t even reflect league ladders correctly because the system doesn’t take outright wins or bonus points into account for standings.”

Glenelg bowler Liam Scott, centre, celebrates bowling Sturt batsman Seb Young. Picture: Brenton Edwards

One high-standing local coach said they had been underwhelmed by the system.

“It would be good if we had something which worked … it’s been disappointing,” they said.

A star player added it had been “shambolic.”

“It’s a bit of a joke considering how far into the season we are.

“I get it’s probably a process but a lot of player statistics aren’t correct or tallied up and you can’t even see who’s at the top for batting or bowling numbers.”

A Cricket Australia spokesperson told The Messenger the national body was working with SACA and PlayHQ to address any issues.

“CA, SACA and PlayHQ are gathering regular feedback from club and association administrators this season to ensure we provide the features most important to users,” they said.

“We are very confident the transition to PlayHQ will inevitably provide a greatly improved digital and online experience.”

“Player stats including batting and bowling leaderboards are currently available on the MyCricket app.”

Cricket Australia also said live scoring had been improved through recent weeks and that information and statistics for awards would be available by the end of the season.