Cricket Australia has defended the decision to play the Big Bash League final in Canberra on Wednesday despite the Perth Scorchers having earned the right to host the decider for a fourth successive season.
Not only do the Scorchers miss a home final against the Sydney Sixers on Wednesday, but they face the prospect of a hostile environment with the Sixers expected to receive the majority of support in Canberra.
In the first three years of the BBL, the highest-ranked team staged the final.
On all three occasions, that was the Scorchers, hosting the match at the WACA Ground, where they firstly lost to the Sixers and Brisbane Heat before beating the Hobart Hurricanes last season.
And again, with the Scorchers beating the Melbourne Stars on Sunday, after the top-placed Adelaide Strikers lost to the Sixers on Saturday, it would have been Perth hosting the final at the WACA but that decision had already been made months ago.
Despite the WACA being vacant until India plays England in the last Tri-Series clash on Friday ahead of Sunday’s final, Cricket Australia had booked in the BBL final for Manuka Oval in Canberra.
Scorchers star Nathan Coulter-Nile played his first BBL game of the season after a hamstring injury and was disappointed the final wouldn’t be in Perth.
“It’s a bit unfortunate that we can’t have it at the WACA,” Coulter-Nile said.
“That would have been nice for four straight years, but it’s something we’ll have to come up against.”
A Cricket Australia spokesperson outlined the reasons for the decision that was largely based on several venues not be available due to preparations for the World Cup.
“We understand there will be supporters of the Perth Scorchers who will be disappointed not to have their team play a home Big Bash final,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
“It is important to note that staging the BBL Final in the neutral venue of Canberra is a one-off as a result of Australia hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup.
“Next year, we will revert to the final being played in the home city of the top-qualifying team.
“In order to be fair, and to provide as much certainty as possible for teams, fans, broadcasters and ground staff in this unique summer of cricket, Canberra was identified as a suitable location for the BBL final.
“The final is a sellout.”
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