Fans WILL be shut out of Australia’s ODI cricket match at the SCG because of coronavirus fears

  • Spectators will be shut out of Australia’s one day international match on Friday 
  • Cricket Australia implemented the measure as a coronavirus precaution 
  • Ticket holders were only made aware hours before the series opener in Sydney 
  • Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

By Australian Associated Press

Published: 22:45 GMT, 12 March 2020 | Updated: 23:09 GMT, 12 March 2020

Crowds will be banned from Australia’s one-day cricket series against New Zealand with the series to be played behind closed doors because of coronavirus.

Cricket Australia took the drastic step on Friday, just hours before the series opener at the SCG. 

Crowds will also be shut out of the next match in the series at the SCG on Sunday and the third match at Blundstone Arena in Hobart next Friday. 

Fans who purchased tickets will be eligible for a refund and the games will be broadcast. 

Australia's batsman Mitchell Starc plays a reverse swing during the second One Day International cricket match between South Africa and Australia in March

Australia’s batsman Mitchell Starc plays a reverse swing during the second One Day International cricket match between South Africa and Australia in March 

A women’s tour of South Africa for next week has also been suspended, making it the first major international cricket series affected since the outbreak of the virus.

‘We have taken strong action today in the face of an unprecedented public health issue,’ Cricket Australia boss Kevin Roberts said.

‘We believe this is the right decision to minimise the risk of public exposure to the coronavirus, which the World Health Organisation declared a global pandemic on Thursday.

‘We understand that these changes to our schedule will impact many, but we hope our community will understand that the public health and safety issues caused by the coronavirus must take priority over sport at this time.

‘This is not an issue specific to cricket.’

Australia’s men also have a tour of New Zealand planned for later this month, with no decision made on that trip yet.

Those tours are the only Australian international matches in the short-term future, with the Indian Premier League also in serious doubt for later this month. 

The games will still be broadcast with only accredited media personnel allowed into the venues. 

A precautionary perimeter will be implemented between media and players and team staff. 

 

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