The Big Bash League has made the call to relocate all clubs to a Victorian hub in a bid to combat the COVID-19 outbreaks that have ravaged several teams.
A new-look schedule for January 10-16 will see seven of the 11 scheduled games played in Victoria, at the MCG, Docklands Stadium and Kardinia Park.
However, some games will still be held interstate, with teams to fly in and out on match day on charter flights.
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The interstate games include the Sydney derby between the Sixers and Thunder at the SCG on January 15, as well as the Brisbane Heat’s clash with the Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba on January 12.
Seven of the eight BBL franchises have been hit by COVID-19, after the Sixers on Thursday lost four members of their touring party due to positive tests.
The Strikers are the only team in the league yet to be struck by COVID-19.
All clubs are gradually relocating their players and support staff to Victoria.
BBL officials are reluctant to call it a ‘hub’ or ‘bubble’, but clubs are set to be controlled by biosecurity protocols until the season is finished.
Having all clubs set up in one city will allow BBL organisers to be more flexible with the schedule.
The BBL said in a statement that it would confirm the schedule for the remaining regular-season games, including the postponed Heat-Sixers fixture from January 5, in the coming days.
The Perth Scorchers sit on top of the table, having won eight of their 10 games.
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