Photo Credit: Hobart Hurricanes
All eyes will be on Hobart’s Blundstone Arena on Thursday 10 December, with the Hobart Hurricanes to host defending champions, the Sydney Sixers, in the opening clash of the 10th edition of the KFC Big Bash League (BBL|10).
Eight KFC BBL|10 matches will be played across Tasmania in December, with games to be played at both Hobart’s Blundstone Arena and University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston.
The Hobart Hurricanes will feature in four of these fixtures, while for the first time ever, Tasmania will also host four matches featuring two non-Tasmanian teams, giving Tasmanian cricket fans a chanced to see some of Australia’s – and the world’s – best T20 players in action.
Cricket Tasmania CEO, Dominic Baker, said his organisation had been working to ensure that Tasmania would be play a crucial role in this unique summer of Australian cricket.
“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, added that it was an exciting opportunity for Tasmanian cricket and Tasmanian cricket fans alike.
“After a difficult year for our sport and our industry, we are thrilled to be able to welcome elite-level sport back to Tasmania.
“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% 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.”
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein highlighted what this announcement means to Tasmania.
“This a massive coup for Tasmania and the local economy, with the state to host the opening stretch of Big Bash matches,” said the Premier.
“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.
Venues for matches scheduled in the New Year will be announced in the coming weeks. The League hopes the easing of border restrictions around the country will allow matches to be played in every state throughout the tournament.
All matches will be broadcast live on Foxtel, with the Seven Network airing 17 of the 21 matches in December live.
