Photo Credit: Hobart Hurricanes
The Weber WBBL is set to commence it’s seventh edition in Tasmania, with the League today confirming that at least the first 20 matches of the tournament will be held across Hobart and Launceston.
Due to the evolving COVID situation across the country and based on advice received in response to current public health conditions and state border restrictions, matches previously scheduled to be played in Sydney, Perth and regional Victoria, will now be played across Hobart’s Blundstone Arena, and University of Tasmania Stadium and Invermay Park in Launceston.
Six of these matches will feature home team, the Hobart Hurricanes – three more than were scheduled in the original opening block – with both Cricket Tasmania and the League working together to ensure the safety of all fans, participants and the wider community throughout the competition.
Hobart Hurricanes WBBL head coach, Salliann Beams, said it was a win for female cricket in Tasmania.
“As coach of the Hurricanes, this is obviously a great outcome for us. We’re thrilled to be able to play in front of our fans and in conditions that are familiar to us, and I really want to ensure that on the field we make the most of this opportunity.
“However, even more importantly, as head of Cricket Tasmania’s female program, I’m really excited about what this means for the future of our game in Tasmania. We’ve talked a lot about our Journey 25 plan and how we want to inspire more Tasmanian girls to believe that they can play cricket at the highest level. By having the world’s top female T20 domestic competition right on their doorstep, they will truly be able to see what they can be.”
Cricket Tasmania CEO, Dominic Baker, echoed Beams’ sentiments.
“This is fantastic news for Tasmanian cricket. Last year we obviously didn’t have an WBBL content in the state due to the national COVID situation, which was disappointing for us, but understandable in the interest of getting a full-length, high-quality tournament completed.
“This year we’re thrilled to be able to play our part in ensuring the season gets away, and following us hosting the first of the BBL hubs last year, we know this is something we can do, and do well.
“We’re very thankful to the Tasmanian government for their work in making this happen, and we can’t wait for what’s going to be a fantastic celebration of women’s cricket in Tasmania.”
Twelve of the first 20 matches will be played at their originally scheduled date and time, with the remainder of the fixture to be announced by the League in due course.
Information regarding ticket availability to Weber WBBL|07 matches will also be released shortly.
