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The Big Bash League on Wednesday confirmed that both the Perth Scorchers' home fixtures slated to be played on January 5 (vs Sydney Thunder) and 6 (vs Sydney Sixers) will be staged at the Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast. The confirmation of the venue comes after it was announced that no more matches will be played in Perth during the ongoing season of the domestic T20 competition. As per the organisers, the decision was taken in view of the strict state border controls governing the entry into the state of Western Australia.
The regulations meant playing these matches at the Optus Stadium was not going to be possible and the fixtures have now been shifted to Metricon.
"Metricon Stadium has been chosen to host the matches on January 5 and 6 due to a variety of logistical and operational and fan-facing considerations that made it the preferred venue for both games," a statement from BBL read.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia's General Manager of Big Bash League Alistair Dobson also heaped praise on the ability of the people involved to keep the tournament moving forward.
"The ability of our Clubs, players, staff, broadcasters, partners and venues to remain agile and keep the KFC BBL 11 season moving forward is nothing short of remarkable," he said.
"We know these two additional matches at Metricon Stadium, including a rematch of the KFC BBL|10 Final, will provide even more summer family entertainment options for our fans on the Gold Coast," he added.
Perth Scorchers to be up against Melbourne Renegades later today
Perth Scorchers are on a bit of a roll in the ongoing season of the competition and have won each of their four matches so far and are consequently placed at the top of the points table. They will be taking on Melbourne Renegades in their fifth match of the competition later on Wednesday at the Marvel Stadium.
In sharp contrast to Scorchers' winning form, Renegades did win their opening match but have fallen to two successive defeats since then and it would be interesting to see how the team which forms the base of the eight-team table takes on the table toppers.