Cricket one-dayer at Blundstone will go ahead but no fans can attend

Amid the coronavirus pandemic Cricket Australia has announced a much anticipated match in Hobart will still go ahead – but with no fans allowed.

TASMANIA’S only international cricket match for the summer will unfold behind closed doors after Cricket Australia made the call to lock fans out from venues.

Hobart will host the third match of the ODI series between Australia and New Zealand — which starts in Sydney this afternoon — next Friday.

However the contest will now proceed but in an empty Blundstone Arena.

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The contest is the state’s only one featuring the national side for the 2019-20 season and came after it was overlooked for matches in the recent women’s Twenty20 World Cup.

All fans who purchased public tickets are eligible for a full refund and will be contacted directly by Ticketek.

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Cricket Australia said it will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation at home and overseas before making a decision on Australian men’s international matches beyond the Australian leg of the ODI tournament.

Kevin Roberts CEO of Cricket Australia speaks has announced which matches will not go ahead in the wake of coronavirus.

Kevin Roberts, Cricket Australia’s Chief Executive, said all decisions were made with the health and safety of the public, players, staff and match officials as the primary concern.

“We have taken strong action today in the face of an unprecedented public health issue,” he said.

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“We believe this is the right decision to minimise the risk of public exposure to the coronavirus, which the World Health Organisation declared a global pandemic on Thursday.

“We understand that these changes to our schedule will impact many, but we hope our community will understand that the public health and safety issues caused by the coronavirus must take priority over sport at this time. This is not an issue specific to cricket.

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A general view during day three of the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmania and New South Wales at Blundstone Arena on March 08, 2020 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“Cricket Australia has been monitoring the coronavirus situation for several weeks, particularly looking at advice provided by DFAT and other relevant government agencies, including the Australian Institute of Sport, which has outlined a co-ordinated approach for all Australian sports. We have also consulted with an infectious diseases specialist.

“Our players and staff have been adopting recommended sanitary practices during this time to minimise the chance of exposure and will continue to do so.”

Alex Kountouris, Cricket Australia’s Sports Science and Sports Medicine Manager, said the actions taken today were in keeping with advice received about the coronavirus pandemic from relevant government agencies and experts.

“These were not decisions taken lightly, but they are the most responsible courses of action based on expert advice,” he said.

“The health and safety of everyone in the cricket family is paramount and our actions reflect that.

“This is an unprecedented global health situation and, as we’ve seen around the world, serious measures have been taken by many organisations to limit the spread of coronavirus. We are among those.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and consult with relevant experts in relation to future matches and series.”