The charity cricket match for the current bushfire crises in Australia was called off after weather forecast reported rain on Saturday.
The Bushfire Cricket Bash was scheduled to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground to serve as a curtain-raiser for the finals of the Big Bash League.
However, the star-studded event was cancelled after the Bureau of Meteorology reported 95 per cent chance of a thunderstorm this upcoming Saturday, February 8.
Last night, Cricket Australia announced that the charity game is called off to let the Big Bash League go ahead.
Former Austalia cricket team captains, Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting were supposed to captain teams composed of former and present players including Brian Lara, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Alex Blackwell and Phoebe Litchfield.
India’s legendary Sachin Tendulkar was set to coach the Ponting XI while West Indies’ Courtney Walsh will coach Warne XI.
However, the 30 to 50 millimetres of rain that is predicted to fall in Sydney this Saturday forced the Bushfire Cricket Bash to be cancelled.
In just 24 hours, about 20,000 tickets were sold right away. Those who purchased tickets will be given instructions on the adjusted gate, match timings and refund.
TV broadcasters are encouraging the change of location from the SCG to the Melbourne Cricket Grounds for both the BBL final and the charity match. However, it was decided that the schedule for the charity match will be moved and the BBL final shall push through at the SCG.
However, in the scenario that the rain washes out the match, the Sydney Sixers will be named champions.
If you are interested to learn more about the Big Bash League, visit the Betwala page.
READ MORE: What is the Big Bash League?
