WBBL/06: Draw, TV and Sydney hub at Hurstville, North Sydney, Blacktown

A trio of Sydney suburban grounds will host top-notch games and the best women’s cricketers in the world this summer.

Celebrations during the WBBL at North Sydney Oval last season.

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North Sydney Oval, Blacktown International Sports Park and Hurstville Oval will host a three-week hub for all eight teams in the WBBL when the 2020/21 women’s cricket competition gets underway.

The three suburban grounds will be used during the mid-season hub which has been put in place to give flexibility to the fixture given the uncertainties around travel and border restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Sydney hub will be operational between October 28 and November 15 with a total of 30 matches to be played.

A sunset during the WBBL match between the Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes at North Sydney oval last season. Pic. Phil Hillyard

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Hurstville will host the first series of matches on October 28 and 29 with the action then moving to North Sydney and Blacktown.

During WBBL|06 a total of 23 regular season matches and all three finals will be broadcast live on Seven and FOX SPORTS - up three matches on last season.

The remaining 33 games will be streamed live on the CA Live app and Kayo Sports.

The women’s competition, a stand-alone event for the second time, is set to start on the weekend of October 17-18 with matches in Brisbane and Perth.

“The first stand-alone season of the rebel WBBL was an incredible success and we’re confident this season will continue that trend,” said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia Head of Big Bash Leagues.

Katie Mack of the Strikers bats against the Sydney Sixers at Hurstville Oval.

Alex Blackwell of the Thunder and Molly Strano of the Renegades watch on during the WBBL match between the Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder at Blacktown International Sportspark.

“We’re thrilled to be able to deliver more television games than ever before and welcome back the stars from Australia’s record-breaking, T20 World Cup-winning team after their historic victory at the MCG in March.

“The League is pleased to have delivered a fixture that includes matches in each club’s home market while also reducing the overall travel burden on clubs.

“By focusing parts of the competition in a central location (Sydney), it also provides optionality should the COVID-19 situation affect the flow of the season and we remain vigilant in all aspects of our planning to provide a safe environment for players and staff.”

The League and Clubs will make further announcements regarding crowds and ticket prices closer to the season.

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