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The incident took place during match No. 37 of the Big Bash League 2024-25 season, which was played between Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers on Friday.
BBL match called off after partial roof collapse. (Picture Credit: Screengrab)
The high-voltage Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 match between Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers at Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday, January 17, was called off after a partial roof collapse. Before the start of the match, a piece of vinyl soffit in O’Reilly Stand became loose and flapped violently and eventually fell because of wild winds, after which fans were evacuated from the ground.
“During tonight’s severe winds and storm, a piece of vinyl soffit sheeting from the O’Reilly Stand became loose and was identified by venue staff,” the statement by NSW read.
“Venue staff immediately vacated patrons from the area to ensure their safety. After the area was cleared, the piece of vinyl soffit sheeting became detached. Two seating bays have been cleared and patrons have been provided seating in another grandstand,” the statement read further.
“As per standard processes, pre-event inspections had taken place across the venue before gates opened. Further inspections are underway. The safety of our patrons remains our number one priority,” it added.
Due to heavy rain, only 5.1 overs of the match was possible on Friday, and Thunder, after being invited to bat first, scored 36 runs for the loss of Sam Konstas’ wicket. The 19-year-old right-handed batter who made his Test debut for the Australian team in the Boxing Day Test against India could only manage to score nine runs from 14 balls before being clean bowled by Jack Edwards. David Warner was batting on 22 runs from 14 balls when the umpires decided to call off the match.
Both teams had to settle for one point each, and it was enough for them to confirm their place in the playoffs.
Sydney Sixers will now face Hobart Hurricanes in the qualifier match at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Tuesday, January 21, and the winner of this match will directly qualify for the final. David Warner-led Thunder, on the other hand, will face the fourth-placed team in the knockout match on Wednesday at Sydney Showground Stadium in Sydney.
The winner of the knockout match will then face the loser of the qualifier match in the challenger clash on Friday, and the final of BBL 2024-25 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 27.
- Location :
Sydney, Australia
