Manuka Oval will host six KFC Big Bash League (BBL) matches this December, with the possibility of picking up further games in the second half of the revised match schedule.
The original schedule was reworked due to border restrictions and closures and will feature a series of “mini hubs” between teams in the league.
Cricket ACT CEO James Allsopp said he was excited to see Canberra host a hub between the Melbourne Stars, Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat.
“To be really honest, we have been working on a mini hub for about two months now, on those first three games on 11, 12 and 14 December,” he said.
“We were confident we could announce the mini hub for those games and I guess from that point it started to escalate to the point where we get to host a game on Boxing Day evening.”
The news follows an announcement late last week, stating Manuka Oval will also host two men’s international cricket matches in December against India in the Dettol ODI and Dettol T20 Series.
The first match will kick off from 11 December between the Melbourne Stars and Brisbane Heat, with the final match playing out between the Sydney Thunder and the Melbourne Stars on 29 December.
However, Mr Allsopp didn’t rule out the possibility of further matches in the national capital during January.
“I think it’s fair to say there is a strong chance we will feature in January as well. Once again there is still a fair bit of movement around border situations which will determine that,” he said.
“We would like to announce the second half of the season – so all through January – in two weeks’ time.”
With current COVID-19 restrictions in the ACT, Manuka Oval looks to host around 5,000 fans for the events.
Mr Allsopp also mentioned there would be certain provisions put in place for the safety of the players and general public, including no purchasing of tickets on the day of matches, and prohibited seating in the front rows at the oval.
ACT Sport and Recreation Minister Yvette Berry welcomed the announcement today (Thursday 5 November), saying it was well deserved for Canberrans after a tough year.
“Having the BBL back in the ACT over the summer, after the summer and the year that we’ve had, is something we can all look forward to together and I know young people in the ACT will be looking forward to seeing those elite sportspeople here at Manuka Oval,” she said.
Find Manuka Oval fixtures below:
- 11 December 2020: Melbourne Stars v Brisbane Heat (7.15pm)
- 12 December 2020: Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder (4.05pm)
- 14 December 2020: Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat (7.15pm)
- 22 December 2020: Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers (7.15pm)
- 26 December 2020: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades (6.10pm)
- 29 December 2020: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Stars (7.15pm)
