Cricket Australia is confident that the pitch issues that led to the abandonment of a Big Bash League match at Kardinia Park last summer will not be repeated. The match between the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers was called off after just 41 deliveries due to a dangerous pitch with a “tennis ball” bounce. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting criticized the decision, calling it “ridiculous.”
The covers failed to protect the pitch from heavy rain, resulting in the cancellation of Geelong’s only Big Bash match for the 2023/24 season. The points were shared between the two teams, and the Scorchers missed out on qualification for The Qualifier by one point.
After conducting a review, Cricket Australia is confident that Kardinia Park has rectified the issue and is ready to host matches for the upcoming season. The venue, which hosted T20 World Cup matches in 2022, will be the setting for the Renegades’ first home match of the 2024/25 season against the Hobart Hurricanes on December 19.
The Renegades are excited to play in Geelong and build a stronger connection with the local fan base. Kardinia Park Stadium Trust is looking forward to hosting the Renegades and making up for the disappointment of the previous season. The full fixture list for the 14th edition of the BBL will be announced by CA on Friday.
