Save Our Gabba campaign: 2032 Olympics threatens to kill Brisbane’s famous pitch

Queensland’s most treasured piece of sporting real estate is heading for extinction - but not if Darren Lehmann has anything to do with it.

Darren Lehmann has signed a one-year extension at the Brisbane Heat. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

The SOG campaign - Save Our Gabba - is up and running.

Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann has fired the first shot in the bid to save the iconic Gabba wicket block which is set to be dug up for the 2032 Olympics.

Queensland’s most treasured piece of sporting real estate will be renovated in some form if, as expected, the state gains hosting right to the Games.

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The Gabba would host the Games’ major ceremonies and athletics meet but the $1 billion renovation could rule it out as a cricket Test host for up to five years.

Brisbane and Sydney remain the only major mainland capital cities to defy the trend of drop-in wickets but the push to join the majority post-Games will be huge if, as expected, the current Gabba block goes under the knife in some form.

The 2032 Olympics could spell the end of the Gabba deck. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty

Lehmann is hoping the deck can be preserved and rise again after the Games, just as it did after having its top knocked off to host soccer matches in the 2000 Olympics.

Lehmann, who has been given a one-year contract extension as Brisbane Heat coach, is adamant officials must salvage the deck Australia’s players enjoy more than any other.

“I like that (the Olympic bid) … as long as they keep the wicket, that is all I want to see,’’ Lehmann said.

“But the funding, the Olympics year, the new stadium, that is as exciting as it gets for Queensland cricket. As long as they keep the wicket as is. Same wicket please.’’

Queensland Cricket chief executive Terry Svenson confirmed his body’s preferred position was to have an ongoing wicket block rather than a drop-in and said he would have those conversations with the government “at the right time.’’

Darren Lehmann has secured a one-year extension with Brisbane Heat. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Lehmann said he was appreciative of getting a contract extension and felt no extra pressure because it was only a one-year deal or came after the Heat’s first external review.

“I had enough pressure with a heart attack to be honest. I am more relaxed with the game and what it is.

“I am a little less stressed with the wins and losses. The review was great for me personally. You have to improve as a coach.’’

Darren Lehmann signs new deal at Brisbane Heat

Coach Darren Lehmann has survived the Brisbane Heat’s first major performance review to win a one-year extension.

Lehmann’s future was clouded after the Heat announced they would conduct a review of the men’s and women’s programs but he will stay at the Heat for a third season.

Queensland Cricket decided to give Lehmann another year to continue the progress he made when the Heat, after a slow start, won two finals this season before being knocked out by the Perch Scorchers in the grand final qualifier.

Lehmann worked on player recruitment with Queensland Cricket as his future hung in the balance so his reappointment is a relief to both the man and the organisation.

Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty

It is understood the review found aspects of the team operation which could be improved but nothing which warranted changing the coach.

Heat chairman Ian Healy had hinted before the review it was his preference to reappoint Lehmann, who was also given strong endorsement by experienced wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson.

The review, conducted by Eugenie Buckley of Suiko Consulting Company, was the first in the Heat’s 10-year history and came after former Heat all-rounder Ben Cutting criticised the club’s culture.

Queensland Cricket officials were keen for the review to be seen as a “heath check’’ rather than a witch hunt designed to find reasons to change staff, for there had been a general feeling the franchise had underachieved with just three finals appearances and a lone title in the Big Bash’s first decade.

The Heat have traditionally been a volatile team with a large gap between their best and worst – but they do capture public attention.

The Heat this season averaged 250,000 for exclusive games on Fox Cricket, the highest for any team and 90,000 up on the competition average.

Heat average a combined audience of 900,000 in games televised on Fox and Seven making them one of the competition’s biggest drawcards.

Originally published as Save Our Gabba campaign: 2032 Olympics threatens to kill Brisbane’s famous pitch