WBBL 2021: Weekend fixtures likely to be played behind closed doors after COVID scare in Tasmania

Hobart: Hobart Hurricanes are likely to play their weekend games behind closed doors after a COVID-positive man escaped hotel quarantine, triggering alarm across the state of Tasmania, which is now under a three-day lockdown. India’s rising wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh is part of city’s WBBL franchise Hobart Hurricanes. In fact, Cricket Australia through WBBL’s official Twitter handle stated: “The Weber WBBL acknowledges the decision of the Tasmania government to call three-day lockdown interest of public health. “The health and safety of our players, staff, match officials and partners along with that of wider community remains our top priority. We are currently working with Tasmanian government on options of upcoming matches at Blundstone Arena, this weekend,” it further stated.

An update regarding the situation in Tasmania.

We'll keep you updated as soon as we know more! #WBBL07 pic.twitter.com/LmQGjaMep9

— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) October 15, 2021

According to sportingnews.com.au, “The WBBL has been thrown into chaos with a COVID-19 case in Tasmania putting in doubt several matches on the opening weekend in Hobart as the state’s south enters a three-day lockdown.” Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein has announced that the lockdown would start on Friday 6 pm and continue for 72 hours till Monday 6 pm. The lockdown will be lifted only subject to health advice. There are four weekend games — two each on Saturday and Sunday in the WBBL. “Bearing in mind there are national and international matters to consider here in terms of the broadcast, if they do go ahead they would go ahead with no crowd and with the players remaining in a bubble,” Gutwein has been quoted as saying by the website. The first nine matches of the league are scheduled in the Tasmanian state capital before the caravan moves to Launceston with games also being played in Perth, Adelaide and Mackay.