Weekend WBBL07 fixtures to continue as scheduled without spectators

This weekend’s fixtures of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) will continue as scheduled with no crowds in attendance, Cricket Australia announced on Saturday (October 16). CA and the Tasmanian government agreed upon the continuation after a three-day lockdown threatened the four matches scheduled on the weekend.



Cricket Australia's head of Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson, expressed his gratitude towards the Tasmanian government, players, support staff and others. "The league and all eight clubs are incredibly thankful to the Tasmanian Government for allowing the Weber WBBL to safely continue in Hobart this weekend,” he said.



"We'd also like to express our gratitude to players and staff from all clubs, plus match officials, broadcast partners and venue staff for their understanding as we worked through the final details with the Tasmanian Government.”



An immediate lockdown was announced in Tasmania on Friday (October 15) after a COVID-positive man, who travelled to Hobart from New South Wales escaped from the hotel quarantine. As a result of this lockdown, Perth Scorchers postponed their travel to Hobart ahead of their opening fixture against Brisbane Heat. Cricket.com.au has reported that the Scorchers will travel to Hobart on Saturday (October 16) afternoon.



ALSO READ: Hannah Darlington to lead Sydney Thunder in WBBL07



Hobart’s three-day lockdown is expected to end before the next round of matches goes underway, starting Tuesday (October 19). The first half of the seventh edition of the WBBL, which includes 24 matches, will be played entirely in Hobart and Launceston, before moving to Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.



A rain-affected opening clash of the seventh edition saw Sydney Sixers beat Melbourne Stars by six wickets, a courtsey of the quickfire half-century by Alyssa Healy.



Weekend Fixtures of WBBL:



16 October 2021:  Melbourne Renegades v Hobart Hurricanes; Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers



17 October 2021: Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat; Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Sixers