Cricket Australia to offer free Tests tickets to fans after BBL match suffers power cut
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 17: Team captain Chris Lynn of the Heat is told by officials that the match is to be abandoned after the power in a light tower at the Gabba goes down during the Big Bash League match between the Brisbane Heat and the Sydney Thunder at The Gabba on January 17, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Cricket Australia will offer Test match tickets free of charge to spectators who attended the abandoned Big Bash League match between Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder.
The BBL clash at the Gabba was cut short by a power outage leaving over 26,000 paying fans short-changed.
Ticket holders will be eligible to claim a free ticket for Australia’s upcoming Test against Sri Lanka at the Gabba.
“Under Cricket Australia’s established terms and conditions, the 23 overs of play including the full innings of the Thunder meant that refunds are not applicable in this instance,” said Anthony Everard, Cricket Australia’s executive general manager of fan engagement.
“However, the Heat and Cricket Australia would like to extend an offer to fans to attend next week’s day-night Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Gabba for free.’’
The power cut appeared to be graceful timing for host team Brisbane Heat, whose bowlers were smashed by Thunder’s Shane Watson for 100 off 62.
That left them needing to chase down 187 for victory. But victory looked a longshot after they were reduced to 10-2 after three overs by Thunder.
Spared defeat, Heat coach Daniel Vettori commented after the visitors’ protestations: “The umpires said the conditions aren’t good enough. That’s what we think as well.”