The Big Bash League season has been thrown into COVID-19 turmoil after 11 players across two franchises tested positive.
The Melbourne Stars on Friday confirmed seven players and eight staff are positive, a day after its clash with the Perth Scorchers was postponed when it emerged a Stars staff member was infected.
Four players at the Sydney Thunder have also tested positive on Friday.
The Thunder are due to meet the Adelaide Strikers in the evening, with a decision on the fate of the fixture yet to be made.
“Sydney Thunder are working with Cricket Australia and SA Health ahead of tonight’s KFC Big Bash League game against the Adelaide Strikers at Adelaide Oval,” the franchise said in a statement.
The Thunder players returned positive PCR results after initially being found positive in rapid antigen tests on Thursday.
The Stars’ positive members have gone into isolation for seven days. Further testing of the squad will be conducted on Saturday. No decision has been made about their upcoming matches.
“First and foremost, we wish everyone affected by this outbreak a quick and speedy recovery,” Stars general manager Blair Crouch said.
“The health and safety of our players and staff will continue to be our priority, especially with the challenges the new Omicron variant presents.
“We are providing all the support we can to players, staff and their families.
“I’d like to thank the medical teams at both Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia for their ongoing guidance and support.”
