URGENT UPDATE: Lightning and torrential rain have forced a delay in the highly anticipated BBL season opener between the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers at Optus Stadium. Fans were evacuated from their seats and directed to seek shelter just one hour before the match was set to commence.
As of 4:15 PM WST, the original start time, the storm showed no signs of abating. Intense lightning strikes continued to light up the night sky, and heavy rain caused significant puddles to form on the field, with over 15 mm falling in just an hour. The stadium’s lights flickered multiple times as the electrical storm intensified around the venue.
According to Cricket Australia safety regulations, play cannot resume until at least 30 minutes after any lightning strike is detected within a 10 km radius. If the match is not able to start by 6:20 PM WST (9:20 PM AEDT), it will be officially abandoned, leaving fans eager for a glimpse of the action.
If the conditions improve and play can begin, the Sydney Sixers will be able to showcase their star player, Pakistani T20 captain Babar Azam, who is expected to draw a substantial crowd this season. “I am looking forward to playing over there in Perth – the faster wicket over there,” Azam expressed, hinting at the excitement surrounding his debut performance.
Fans are urged to stay tuned for updates as officials assess the weather conditions. The situation remains dynamic, and the anticipation in the air is palpable as cricket enthusiasts await the fate of the season opener.
