News Canberra To Host BBL Final

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The emergence of Canberra's Manuka Oval as an increasingly significant cricket venue in Australia will continue this summer after Cricket Australia announced the ground would host the BBL final. In an unexpected move, Cricket Australia decided that the neutral venue would be appropriate for the decider on January 28, after giving hosting rights in previous years to the highest-placed finalist.

Although it will be a busy summer for cricket in Australia, the final will be played more than two weeks before the first World Cup match in Australia, and after the end of the ODI series against India. It will follow semi-finals that will be played in other cities around the country.

"We have looked at a number of options for hosting the final of the Big Bash League, given the unique summer of international cricket that lies ahead and the significant demands that will place on venues around the country," Mike McKenna, CA's executive general manager of operations, said. "That consideration, combined with our efforts to further establish the BBL as a truly national competition, was part of our decision making.

"We think the concept of staging the final in the neutral territory of the nation's capital has merit. Manuka Oval has undergone significant work in recent times to upgrade facilities for fans. We think it can provide a great backdrop to the biggest match of the tournament while exposing a new market to the excitement of the league."

Australia Cricket News: Canberra to host BBL final | ESPN Cricinfo
 
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