Cricket Albury Wodonga officials and Albury Council might have the option of hosting either a Border Bash or Sheffield Shield match in the future.
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Tuesday’s WBBL clash between Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder, followed by the men’s game, proved another stunning success with almost 7000 fans at Lavington Sportsground.
Corresponding games, between the Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers (WBBL) and Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes (men), in Wollongong attracted around 4000.
Last year’s inaugural Border Bash pulled almost 10,000, but Cricket NSW chief executive Andrew Jones can’t commit to a third straight season in December, 2018.
“It’s a little too early to say yet,” he said.
“We believe Lavington is not available next year because of the development.
“We’ll certainly be back, the question is whether it’s every year.”
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Jones met with Albury mayor Kevin Mack just prior to the men’s match.
Cricket NSW has spoken about the possibility of Albury hosting a Sheffield Shield match.
“Our policy is to play four Shield games at the SCG and one regionally, if we can, every year,” Jones said.
“That depends on the interest of council, what other fixtures are scheduled for that region.
“If we bring a Big Bash game, it’s less likely we’ll bring a Shield game, but certainly we’d love to play here at some stage, if you’ll have us.”
Nearly 17,000 fans over two years is testament to the popularity of the Border Bash, so it would surprise if council and cricket officials favoured a Shield clash.
Long considered the strongest domestic competition in the world, the Shield has fallen well behind Tests, ODI and the Big Bash in terms of exposure.
Cricket NSW is the licence holder of the Thunder and Sixers.
“It’s a fantastic experience, so we’re going to come back as often as we can.”
Wagga held a successful Sheffield Shield match between NSW and Victoria in 2015.
