Photo Credit: New Zealand Cricket

Sunday’s Ford Trophy final between the Central Stags and the winner of tomorrow’s elimination final has been postponed because of the devastation caused in the Hawke’s Bay region by Cyclone Gabrielle.

The majority of the Stags team is based in the Hawke’s Bay and Central Districts chief executive Lance Hamilton said the Queenstown-based final was the last thing on many of the players’ minds as they dealt with the catastrophe in their region.

“It’s a player welfare issue, first and foremost,” said Mr Hamilton.

“We have multiple players without power and water, who have only the barest of communication capability, and who are concerned for family members and friends.

“It simply wouldn’t be fair to take them away from their families at this time.”

Mr Hamilton said unlike the Stags, the women’s Central Hinds side had just one player from the Hawke’s Bay region and the players were unanimous in wanting to proceed with their Hallyburton Johnstone matches against Canterbury in Christchurch over the weekend.

“We’re deeply saddened to see the devastation the cyclone has caused to our region and our hearts go out to all those impacted.”

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said he agreed with, understood, and supported Central Districts’ position.

“Lives have been lost, homes and businesses have been destroyed, large swathes of the region are under water, and a number of people are still missing,” said Mr White.

“We had no hesitation in agreeing to CD’s request. Our thoughts are with all the people in the Hawke’s Bay, and elsewhere, who are dealing with the impact of this disaster”.

Mr White said a new date for the Ford Trophy final would be advised in due course.