Cricket Australia refuses to move Melbourne derby BBL grand final from Marvel Stadium to MCG
Melbourne Stars president Eddie McGuire has been joined by players in wanting the Big Bash League grand final between Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars moved from Marvel Stadium to the MCG but Cricket Australia is standing firm.
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Melburnians will fill Marvel Stadium for Sunday’s Big Bash League grand final with Cricket Australia refusing to shift the derby decider to the MCG.
CA never contemplated a switch despite the growing chorus led by Stars president Eddie McGuire and captain Glenn Maxwell to play at their home ground.
A Renegades contract with Marvel Stadium also stipulates home finals must be played at the indoor venue.
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A full house is expected for the 2.45pm clash at Marvel Stadium as the BBL trophy heads to Melbourne for the first time.
“As per the last seven seasons of the BBL, the highest-ranked team earns the right to host the final,” a CA spokesman said.
“On this occasion it is the Renegades, and we are looking forward to seeing a big Melbourne crowd to watch them take on the Melbourne Stars.”
Renegades finished the 14-game home-and-away season in second place, one win and net run-rate clear of the Stars.
But the green team has won its past six matches at Marvel Stadium.
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While only 15,342 attended Renegades’ pulsating semi-final win at Marvel Stadium on Friday night a bumper crowd is expected.
More than 40,000 people have packed Marvel Stadium for four out of the seven regular season derbies it has hosted.
McGuire wanted the match shifted to the MCG unless rain was forecast.
A sunny 27C day is expected.
“Why would you have the MCG sitting empty for a Grand Final? If it’s raining, play it at Marvel — that way you get a game.
“If it looks like it’s going to be a belter let’s play it down at the MCG, open the gates and apologise and thank everybody who has stuck with cricket over the summer.
“It’s been of a torrid time for cricket. Let’s relaunch with a fantastic game of cricket for the grand final.”
Maxwell and No.3 Peter Handscomb also want to play at the MCG while spin king Shane Warne urged CA to shift the match before the semi-finals.
The MCG derby attracted 46,418 last month while in BBL05 a domestic record crowd of 80,883 piled in.
Stars have won 11 out of the 15 derbies and boast a 6-1 record at Marvel Stadium.
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