COVID-19 hit Melbourne in frame as potential BBL hub venue if case numbers subside
Virtually written off as a cricket destination this summer, Victoria could still find its voice if virus numbers improve by Christmas, opening the door for one of the game’s big ticket items.
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Cricket Australia is refusing to rule out Melbourne as a late season Big Bash League hub if the coronavirus crisis improves by Christmas.
On the back of news that the MCG will be given every chance to hold onto the prized jewel that is the Boxing Day Test, cricket bosses are equally determined to give Victoria a shot at hosting a batch of BBL matches in late January.
Cricket Australia’s plan is to operate the BBL as a travelling roadshow — where all teams will play blocks of matches in one city, before moving onto the next destination.
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There is talk Tasmania could kickstart the season with hubs in Hobart and Launceston, although a revised schedule could still be a couple of weeks away as Cricket Australia continue to work with State Governments on border allowances.
Many presumed Victoria had been written off as a cricket destination this summer, but the MCG and Marvel Stadium are still in the mix to stage a BBL hub for sport-starved fans.
“No, it hasn’t been ruled out. There’s still a lot to play out, but we need to keep as many options on the table as possible and be as nimble as necessary if things change around us,” said CA executive, Anthony Everard, who on Thursday announced KFC had signed a new naming rights deal with the BBL.
“It’s impossible to predict what things will look like come January, let alone December or probably even November. We are keeping an open mind.
“Victoria has a lot of appeal in the sense there’s probably three or four venues that are highly capable and proven in hosting Big Bash Cricket.
“Obviously the Stars and Renegades, are two of our most successful teams and we’d be desperate to play some cricket on their home ground, ideally in front of some of their members.
“It might well be Victoria and Melbourne has a really important role to play in the BBL this summer but perhaps that will be towards the back end rather than the front end.”
Cricket Australia is confident it can deliver broadcasters a world class BBL this summer, with Everard adamant the competition has never relied on superstar players alone.
Particularly in Victoria — but around the country — Everard senses this is the most important BBL in history, because of the release it could provide people coming out of months of lockdown.
“Having been part of the BBL since its inception, I actually think the BBL will be more important this summer than ever before in its short history,” he said.
“It’s such an important part of summer for family. It’s almost the soundtrack to summer in terms of beach by day and BBL by night.
“And at the risk of understating it, it’s been a pretty average winter for a lot of families around the country. Everyone is crying out for some relief, some escapism, some fun and that is in the DNA of the Big Bash League.
“It’s all of those things and it’s got a really, really important role to play this summer around providing a bit of light relief.
“And we don’t take that for granted. We think it’s really important and our commitment is to make sure it continues to play that role as it has over the last few years.”
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Originally published as COVID-19 hit Melbourne in frame as potential BBL hub venue if case numbers subside