Cricket Australia Initiates Comprehensive Review Amid Abandoned BBL 2023-24 Match Due To 'Unsafe Pitch'

Cricket Australia is set to conduct a comprehensive review following the abandonment of the Big Bash League (BBL) match between the Melbourne Renegades and the Perth Scorchers. The match was called off due to unsafe playing conditions in Geelong on Sunday.

The Renegades opted to bowl first after winning the toss at Simonds Stadium. However, a damp area on the pitch led to erratic bouncing of the ball after the powerplay. The pitch behavior surprised Josh Inglis and Quinton de Kock, leading to the involvement of match officials.

The match between the Renegades and the Scorchers was temporarily halted as umpires examined a damp area and divots on the pitch. The match officials decided to abandon the match for player safety, with points being shared between the two teams in the BBL.

Each Team Will Receive One Point Unless The Game Can Be Rescheduled

Cricket Australia has expressed its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the game. The CA acknowledged the disappointment of both fans and players due to the game’s abandonment.

“Each team will receive one point unless the game can be rescheduled. Fans will be refunded the cost of their tickets,” the statement read.

“CA will conduct a thorough review into the extremely frustrating circumstances that have resulted in the game being abandoned and a huge disappointment for fans and players,” it continued.

The Melbourne Renegades suffered a defeat in their opening BBL game against the Sydney Sixers. After their second game, which was impacted by unforeseen challenges, the Nic Maddinson-led team earned a point and moved to the fifth position in the 8-team table.

The match between the Adelaide Strikers and the Brisbane Heat was also abandoned due to relentless rain in South Australia on Saturday, December 9. The weather-related interruptions have added a layer of unpredictability to the BBL, affecting team strategies.

The BBL 2023-24 will resume with a match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Sydney Sixers at the North Tasmania Cricket Association Ground in Tasmania on Monday, December 11.

Also read: Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers Abandoned BBL 2023-24 Match Could Be Rescheduled