The Big Bash League (BBL) 2025 match between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, scheduled for Friday, January 17, at the Sydney Cricket Ground, was canceled due to a partial roof collapse at the venue. Strong winds caused a section of vinyl soffit in the O’Reilly Stand to come loose and flap dangerously before it eventually fell. Fans in the area were promptly evacuated for safety.
“During tonight’s severe winds and storm, a piece of vinyl soffit sheeting from the O’Reilly Stand became loose and was identified by venue staff,” a statement from NSW read (via The Indian Express).
For safety reasons, fans were moved from the affected area and later reassigned seats in a different grandstand.
“Venue staff immediately vacated patrons from the area to ensure their safety. After the area was cleared, the piece of vinyl soffit sheeting became detached. Two seating bays have been cleared and patrons have been provided seating in another grandstand,” the statement further read.
The statement noted that venue inspections were conducted prior to the start of the BBL match. However, additional inspections were carried out following the incident. Play was initially halted after just 1.4 overs when rain began to fall. The match resumed after a 15-minute delay and was reduced to 19 overs per side.
Unfortunately, the rain returned, accompanied by strong winds, forcing the game to be called off after only 5.1 overs of play. Sydney Thunder batted first and scored 36 runs for the loss of one wicket before the match was officially abandoned.
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Second Major Incident in BBL 2025 Occurs in Quick Succession
The BBL 2025 season has seen multiple significant incidents in a short span. Just a day prior, on Thursday, January 16, the match between Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes at The Gabba was briefly halted due to a fire near the DJ booth.
A staff member used a fire extinguisher to control the flames while police evacuated the surrounding area. Despite the interruption, the match resumed and was completed.
Batting first, Brisbane posted 201/6 from their 20 overs. In response, Hobart Hurricanes chased down the target with five wickets to spare, thanks to a match-winning 76 off 49 balls by Caleb Jewell.
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