BBL 2023: REN vs SCO stopped due to unsafe pitch; has such interruption happened before, know details

The Big Bash League 2023 encounter between Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers on December 10 was abandoned due to an unsafe pitch at Simonds Stadium, Geelong. The issue with the pitch was its dampness, causing discomfort for the batters. This condition could turn out to be even more hostile as the game proceeds forward.

In the match, the ball was seen exhibiting an awkward bounce upon landing on the surface, and a viral video captured divots on the pitch. Melbourne Renegades chose to bowl first, completing 6.5 overs before the match was abandoned. Overnight rain caused water to seep under the covers, resulting in dampness on the pitch.

Hence, keeping the players' protocol as well as the safety of players in mind the decision was made that the game should be called off.  It is also to be kept in mind that these pitches have the tendency to show a dual nature of pace and bounce. As the game progresses the pitch is bound to develop more cracks as the game progresses which might be life-threatening as well. Watch the video of the game being called off;

Big Bash match between Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorcher has been suspended due to "unsafe pitch".pic.twitter.com/skeXVbGeWn

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 10, 2023

Also now look at a few instances of matches being called off due to unsafe pitches;

1998 West Indies vs England Test

On January 29, 1998, a historic and brief Test match unfolded at Sabina Park, Jamaica, between West Indies and England. The match, one of the shortest in cricket history, was abandoned after just 61 deliveries due to the unsafe pitch conditions. In the first Test of the series, England struggled at 17 for 3 after 10 overs, and physio Wayne Morton made multiple field appearances in just over an hour. Umpires Srinivas Venkataraghavan and Steve Bucknor eventually called off the match.

1997 India vs Sri Lanka ODI

In 1997, during a competitive phase between Sri Lanka and India, the ODI at Indore's Nehru Stadium on Christmas faced abandonment due to an unsafe pitch. With India leading the 3-match series 1-0, they expected a bouncy track, but the pitch was a dry, cracked pitch favoring spin and pace. After disagreements and last-minute preparations, the Sri Lankans, concerned about pitch bias, consulted the referee, Ahmed Ebrahim. Despite attempts to start the game, variable bounce issues persisted, leading to an hour-long discussion between teams and officials before the match was called off for safety reasons.

2009 India vs Sri Lanka ODI

The fifth and final ODI between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned midway through the first innings as players left the field in protest due to the unsafe conditions of the wicket at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium. The suspension lasted for approximately 70 minutes, during which match officials, players, and ground staff deliberated on the situation. The decision to abandon the game was announced soon keeping in mind the safety of the players. As a result, India secured the series victory with a 3-1 lead.