Fans to get refunds after BBL abandonment

CRICKET fans who attended the abandoned Melbourne Renegades clash with Perth Scorchers in Geelong can expect a refund as a result of the premature ending to last night’s (Sunday, December 10) game.

The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and Melbourne Renegades both issued statements following the cancellation of play at GMHBA Stadium due to an unsafe pitch.

Renegades general manager James Rosengarten said the club would ensure all general admission public ticket purchasers were refunded.

“Our first thoughts are with our fans, the loyal supporters we have across Geelong and Victoria.

“We are incredibly disappointed in tonight’s events.

“We had an important match against the Scorchers and our fans have a right to feel incredibly let down.

“It should have been a great night of cricket, and we will discuss the outcomes of that in the days ahead.”

The Renegades’ statement also mentioned the club was made aware of the pitch’s condition on yesterday morning, following substantial rain hitting the Geelong region on Saturday night.

Following three consecutive deliveries in the seventh owner that each bounced at different heights, umpires paused the game, followed by officials ending play with the Scorchers at 2/30.

The decision to end play also marked the first time in 555 BBL games a match has been abandoned due to the state of the pitch.

“We regret the unfortunate events that occurred tonight at GHMBA Stadium,” Kardinia Park Stadium Trust chief executive officer Gerard Griffin said yesterday.

“We understand the disappointment this has created.

“This is not the experience that Kardinia Park Stadium Trust anticipated for the teams or the patrons that came to watch this game tonight.”

The Renegades have no further contests at GMHBA Stadium scheduled to take place in the BBL this season.