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The Perth Scorchers and Perth Wildcats have both been been hit by the WA state government's decision to move in to a five day lockdown, with both clubs immediate fixtures rescheduled.
The Scorchers will now remain in Canberra for their preliminary final against the winner of Sunday night's match between the Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat, Optus Stadium unable to host the match on Thursday because of the hard lockdown in the Perth metropolitan area until Friday at 6PM.
Cricket Australia was forced to consider its options on Sunday after Perth was put into lockdown after recording its first locally-acquired coronavirus case in almost 10 months.
Premier Mark McGowan said the hard lockdown will last at least until Friday morning, throwing Thursday night’s ‘Challenger’ final at Optus Stadium into doubt.
Perth had not left Canberra when McGowan fronted the media at 12:40 PM local time on Sunday, meaning the BBL was able to relocate the match from Perth to Canberra.
Meanwhile the Wildcats will not face the New Zealand Breakers as initially planned on Friday February 5th, instead now relocating to Victoria ahead of their match-up with Melbourne United next Sunday, with another match potentially to be added to the schedule.
The first meeting between Perth and New Zealand had already been postponed after several Breakers players woke up feeling ill on Saturday morning, although they all later tested negative to coronavirus.
'Following the State Government’s announcement that Perth will go into a five-day lockdown, the Perth Wildcats game against the NZ Breakers scheduled for Friday 5 February has been postponed.' the club said in a statement.
'WA Premier Mark McGowan announced the measures following the state’s first community transmitted case of COVID-19 in 10 months.
'Perth Wildcats members and ticketholders for this game will be contacted when a rescheduled date is confirmed.'
AFL clubs West Coast and Fremantle will also be affected with their pre-season training, with players only able to train for one hour per day and with one other team mate.
IMAGE: The West Australian.