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Picture Credit: BBL

The COVID-19 outbreak in team camps across the Big Bash League has forced the organizers to make changes in the BBL 2021-22 schedule. With active caseload on the rise, seven of the eleven fixtures between January 10-16 have been rescheduled. Also, all the clubs have been asked to relocate themselves to Victoria. A few games, however, will be played at the previously scheduled venues in line with the protocols in place.

Players and support staff from all clubs will primarily be based in Victoria for the remainder of the competition. All will remain under bio-security protocols, while revised travel arrangements to and from interstate matches will be implemented to reduce their exposure to the wider community. Changes to the schedule have been made to prioritize the health and safety of all players, match officials, staff, fans, and the wider community. These changes will also provide greater flexibility and operational efficiency for the League and Clubs.

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Eleven matches to be played across six venues

The eleven matches in the next week of BBL 2021-22 will be played across six venues - Adelaide Oval, Gabba, GMHBA Stadium, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Marvel Stadium, and Sydney Cricket Ground.

The other changes in the schedule include:

The postponed Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars match from December 30 to be played on January 11.

The postponed Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars match from December 7 to be played on January 15.

Three doubleheaders in Victoria - January 10 (MCG), 11 (GMHBA Stadium), and January 13 (Marvel Stadium).

Two additional double-header matchdays across two venues on January 8 (as previously scheduled) and January 15

The League will confirm the schedule for the remainder of the regular season in the coming days.

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia's General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, said: "The past week has thrown many COVID-related challenges the Big Bash's way, but throughout we have remained steadfast in our resolve to safely and successfully complete the season. These changes are designed to help the League and Clubs deliver on this, while also reducing risks to players, support staff, and the matches themselves. Having our players based in one state provides significantly greater flexibility to manage any further impacts of COVID-19."