Tasmanian BBL hub confirmed
Tasmania will play host the some of the world’s best cricketers this summer with the announcement of a Big Bash League hub. LATEST + FIXTURES >>
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IT’S official – after months of suggestion from Premier Peter Gutwein, Tasmania will play host to the some of the world’s top cricketers as part of a hub agreement with the T20 KFC Big Bash League.
Tasmania will host eight matches over ten days in December, six games of which will be played at Bellerive and two at Utas Stadium.
Current crowd restrictions suggest crowds of 10,000 people will be permitted to attend.
The Hobart Hurricanes will host the Sydney Sixers for the opening match of the season on December 10.
Cricket Tasmania CEO, Dominic Baker, said the organisation had been working hard to make the Tasmanian hub a reality.
“We have been working closely with Cricket Australia to secure this first hub in Tasmania,” Baker said.
“We think it’s important that Tasmanian cricket fans have the opportunity to attend top-level cricket this summer, and, despite the obvious challenges we have all faced this year, we are thrilled that we have got to this point.”
Cricket Tasmania Chairman, Andrew Gaggin described what the fixture would mean for the sport and Tasmanian fans.
“After a difficult year for our sport and our industry, we are thrilled to be able to welcome elite-level sport back to Tasmania,” he said.
“We are working closely with the Tasmanian Government to ensure we can deliver a fun and safe experience for our members and fans in attendance, seeing we will be delivering these matches in a new, COVID-normal environment.
“Venues will be at a 50 per cent capacity as per the government’s Framework for COVID-19 Safe Events and Activities, and with priority to be given to Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Tasmania members, we expect ticket allocation to be exhausted quickly.”
Mr Gutwein hoped the event would provide much needed economic stimulus to local business.
“This a massive coup for Tasmania and the local economy, with the state to host the opening stretch of Big Bash matches,” he said.
“It is an amazing opportunity for all Tasmanians to experience some world-class matches boasting some of the world’s best talent, competing on the national stage this summer.”
Matches will also be played in hubs across the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and South Australia throughout December.
Cricket Australia’s Head of Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson, expressed thanks to the state for making itself available to play host for the league’s tenth season.
“The League would like to thank the Australian, Tasmanian, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and South Australia governments for their support of the KFC BBL|10 season.”
While the fixture is set at eight games for now, the Premier hinted at more cricket for the summer due to the state’s preparedness.
“There is more chance of games going on here than anywhere else in the country,” Mr Gutwein said.
“Our stadiums are run to covid safe plans.”
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