URGENT UPDATE: Severe lightning and heavy rain have just delayed the highly anticipated BBL season opener between the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers at Optus Stadium. Fans were evacuated from their seats to seek shelter approximately one hour before the match was set to begin, as dangerous lightning strikes were recorded in the vicinity.
The situation worsened at 4:15 PM (WST), the original start time, with ongoing storms causing the stadium lights to flicker amid a powerful electrical storm. According to Cricket Australia safety protocols, play cannot commence if lightning is detected within 10 kilometers of the venue, requiring a mandatory waiting period of at least 30 minutes after the last strike.
As the storm continues, significant rainfall has led to the formation of large puddles on the field, with over 15mm of rain falling within just one hour. If the match does not resume by 6:20 PM WST (9:20 PM AEDT), it will be officially abandoned.
The Sixers are eager to take the field, especially with the inclusion of Babar Azam, Pakistan’s T20 captain, expected to make a big impact this season. Azam expressed his excitement earlier, stating, “I am looking forward to playing over there in Perth – the faster wicket over there.”
As fans anxiously await updates, the clock is ticking for the season opener. Stay tuned for real-time developments on this unfolding situation.
