Sydney COVID-19 hub to host entire WBBL season
All WBBL players outside of NSW will be required to relocate for the entire Big Bash season, with Cricket Australia confirming all 59 games will be played out of a hub in Sydney.
In a statement released on Friday, Cricket Australia said the NSW government had given permission for the WBBL to be played out Sydney in the city's first COVID-19 sports hub.
The season begins on October 25 with fixtures and venues to be released in the coming weeks.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro gave CA the green light to play the season from Sydney.
“It’s been a tough time for our communities and there’s nothing like a season of cricket to boost morale and entertain,” Mr Barilaro said. “We won’t let COVID bowl us over. How’s that?!”
In recent days, Barilaro also vocalised his eagerness to secure Sydney as the hub spot for the NBL.
Similar to other competitions, the WBBL is likely to play over a condensed season. Last year, the season ran for seven weeks of regular play followed by one week of finals in the first week of December.
Brisbane Heat captain and Australia allrounder Jess Jonassen said her squad was mentally preparing for at least five weeks away.
Cricket Australia is now working closely with the Australia government to seek exemptions for international players, such as star Striker Sophie Devine.Credit:Getty Images
"Now there’s that little bit of clarity around what the season is going to look like, everyone i
s able to prepare for that," she said. "The fact that it has to be in a hub and in Sydney, it’s not too big a deal for a lot of us ... particularly for us Australian players, it feels like another tour."
CA’s head of Big Bash Leagues Alistair Dobson said the safety of players, staff, officials and the public were at the forefront of building the schedule.
"We want to thank the NSW Government for their willingness to work together to deliver the WBBL|06 competition in Sydney," Dobson said. "We can achieve great things together and the spirit of cooperation has been truly uplifting.
"The likes of Meg Lanning, Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt and Beth Mooney have become household names in Australia and it will be brilliant watching them showcasing their talent and skills for their respective clubs this summer."
Acting Sport Minister Geoff Lee said the confirmation of the WBBL this year amid COVID-19 will encourage young girls across Australia to play cricket.
"This competition continues to grow from strength to strength," he said. "The quality of the talent is on the rise and the action is thrilling to watch."
CA is now working closely with the Australia government to seek exemptions for international players, such as star Striker Sophie Devine. Eight South Africans, seven Kiwis and two West Indians are contracted with WBBL franchises for this season.
The news comes after a tumultuous week for CA, during which cricket's free-to-air broadcast partner threatened to tear up its contract over concerns this summer's scheduling would lack "quality".