Photo Credit: South Australian Cricket Association
Cricket Australia today confirmed the remainder of the men’s domestic season and the agreed competition window for the 2021-22 Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL).
The Marsh Sheffield Shield will recommence on February 9, with 10 matches across five rounds before the final beginning on March 31.
Australian players selected to tour Pakistan who are not involved in the Dettol T20 International series against Sri Lanka are available for selection in domestic matches until February 17.
Queensland is scheduled to play a total of nine matches, Tasmania and South Australia eight, while New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia will play seven under the revised fixture.
The playing conditions of the Sheffield Shield have been adjusted to reflect the imbalance of fixtures scheduled.
Final table positions will now be decided by the average number of points each team accrues from scheduled matches.
A further eight Marsh One-Day Cup matches will be played before the final on March 11 at the CitiPower Centre in Melbourne. Each team will play six matches in the Marsh Cup competition.
Western Australia has been granted additional time to prepare for the resumption of the season after being subject to home quarantine requirements at the conclusion of the KFC Big Bash League (BBL).
Foxtel will broadcast a further three home and away Marsh Cup matches in addition to the Marsh Sheffield Shield and Marsh One-Day Cup finals.
All other Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup matches will be streamed live on Kayo and cricket.com.au.
The remainder of the Women’s National Cricket League season will be played from February 22 – March 25, with fixture details to be confirmed early next week.
Peter Roach, Cricket Australia’s Head of Cricket Operations and Scheduling, said:
“We are pleased to confirm the remainder of the men’s domestic season and look forward to confirming the final details of the 2021-22 WNCL shortly.
“Through close consultation with all stakeholders, we have confirmed a schedule which we believe to be in the best interests of players, match officials, support staff and fans.
Photo Credit: LinkedIn profile picture of Peter Roach
“Following a fairly challenging KFC BBL period, the medical advice we received recommended a short break post BBL, along with a break somewhere within the remaining fixtures to allow participants a breather from the recommended playing protocols.
“Whilst Cricket Australia wants to maximise the number of matches played in pivotal domestic competitions, the health and wellbeing of participants is a priority.
“Our domestic competitions are amongst the strongest in the world, and we want teams to have the opportunity to field their best squads, and players and staff to have the opportunity to be at their best when given the opportunity.
“For these reasons, the decision was made and supported unanimously by stakeholders to complete the domestic competitions under the revised playing conditions and schedule.
“We look forward to the domestic season getting underway safely and thank the States and Territories for their flexibility and understanding as we navigate scheduling challenges.”
Marsh Sheffield Shield
Feb 9-12: South Australia v Victoria, Adelaide Oval
Feb 9-12: Queensland v New South Wales, Gabba
Feb 18-21: Victoria v Queensland, CitiPower Centre
Feb 18-21: New South Wales v Tasmania, SCG
Mar 2-5: Queensland v South Australia, Gabba
Mar 15-18: New South Wales v Western Australia, Bankstown Oval
Mar 15-18: Victoria v Tasmania, CitiPower Centre
Mar 23-26: Western Australia v Victoria, WACA Ground
Mar 23-26: South Australia v New South Wales, Karen Rolton Oval
Mar 23-26: Tasmania v Queensland, Blundstone Arena
Final
Mar 31-Apr 4: TBC v TBC, TBC*
Marsh One-Day Cup
Feb 14: Queensland v New South Wales, Gabba (D/N)*
Feb 15: South Australia v Victoria, Karen Rolton Oval
Feb 23: Victoria v Queensland, CitiPower Centre
Feb 23: New South Wales v Tasmania, North Sydney Oval (D/N)*
Feb 25: New South Wales v Tasmania, North Sydney Oval (D/N)*
Mar 6: Tasmania v Victoria, Blundstone Arena
Mar 8: Victoria v Western Australia, CitiPower Centre
Mar 8: New South Wales v South Australia, TBC
Final
Mar 11: TBC v TBC, CitiPower Centre*
*Denotes match broadcast on Foxtel.
**Matches and travel remain subject to any relevant government restrictions or requirements. Cricket Australia reserves the right to adjust the 2021-22 domestic season schedule.
