Coronavirus: NSW crowned winners of Sheffield Shield after final was abandoned

NSW has been crowned winners of the 2019-20 Sheffield Shield after a decision was made to abandon the final.

Steven O'Keefe of NSW celebrates the wicket of Marcus Stoinis of Victoria during the NSW v Victoria Sheffield Shield game at the SCG. Picture: Mark Evans

NSW has been crowned winners of the 2019-20 Sheffield Shield after a decision was made to abandon the final yesterday.

The Blues were on top of the table with a round to go, ahead of last year’s winners Victoria before the last round.

Cricket made the call to cancel the final round last week but consulted the states before calling off the game which was due to begin on March 27.

Covid-19 has bought the game to a halt in Australia and across the world.

New Zealand flew home after the first of three ODI games against Australia was played in front of empty stands on Friday. The team had to get back before a 14-day isolation period was imposed on overseas visitors in their country on Sunday night.

The Australian women had a tour against South Africa cancelled and overnight that country called off all its remaining cricket.

England abandoned a series against Sri Lanka and flew home.

Australia’s T20i series in New Zealand has also been cancelled.

The IPL has been delayed and authorities are scrambling to find a way that series can start with organisers looking to hold it in four cities only: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Delhi.

Players will be transported in private jets and travel kept to a bare minimum.

England’s county season is in doubt and six Surrey players were ordered into isolation on Monday.

The BCCI has also cancelled all domestic competitions.

Ireland’s tour of Zimbabwe has also been postponed and Bangladesh have called off an ODI in Pakistan.

The Pakistan Super League is continuing but no fans are permitted to attend and many overseas players have left, including Chris Lynn who announced he would fly home after hitting a century that put his side through to the finals.