The Over 50's Veterans Cricket Australia Board has made the difficult decision to reschedule the 2021 Over 50's National Championships, due to be held in November 2021, to the 20th – 24th February 2022.
The South Australian Veterans Cricket Association (SAVCA) feels the deferral of the event is in the best interest of public health and safety for players and our many business partners due to the continuing COVID-19 restrictions currently in place in Australia with the Delta variant. Conditions applicable to hosting significant events where interstate & international travel is required have been considered for all our traveling teams.
The Committee is making the decision to defer the carnival as a proactive measure for all stakeholders and as early as practical to enable contingency arrangements leading to February 2022.
A record number of 40 Teams had registered from all over Australia, including two teams from New Zealand in the November championships scheduled for Adelaide. Due to the current interstate and international border restrictions, it could not be guaranteed that SAVCA could confidently hold a successful, 'all encompassing' National Championships.
National Championship Director Anthony Telfer said, "While it's disappointing to delay the championship once again this year, there are two significant risks we face by holding the event."
"One is the financial impact it would have had with our great South Australian suppliers, participants, and to our SAVCA board if we cancelled the event at the very last minute", Telfer commented, "We all saw first-hand what transpired at the 2020 World Cup in South Africa, and I don't want a repeat of that".
"Secondly, if we proceeded and caused an outbreak in the South Australian community, this would harm Veteran’s cricket in SA, which is currently experiencing a significant increase of interest in participation."
Rescheduling of the event is incredibly disappointing as the profile of the event has never been higher. The SAVCA committee attracted a record number of teams interested in competing. In addition, The Adelaide Oval was confirmed for the Meet & Greet and Presentation dinner and the South Australian Government recently approved funding we applied for earlier in the year. A former Australian Test cricketer was appointed as our Ambassador & Master of Ceremonies, which we were due to announce over the next few weeks. SAVCA secured support for visiting teams with accommodation and car/bus rental companies.
"We’ve had great support from the South Australian Cricket Association & the Adelaide Turf Cricket Association with twenty-five cricket clubs committing to providing the best wickets, ovals & club facilities in Adelaide."
"Businesses have been doing it tough in Australia over the past 18 months and we have developed some brilliant partnerships with local South Australian companies and want them to have the opportunity to minimise their financial risk. The strong partnership will ensure they remain on board for February 2022 and beyond". Telfer said.
"We have had tremendous support from both the Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority and the South Australian Cricket Association in the lead up. Both have congratulated us for making this difficult but pragmatic decision to reschedule. Both are now looking forward to supporting us in making the Championships an event to remember." Telfer added.
The Committee felt that they could not delay their decision any longer. The SAVCA Board appreciates all the support they have received in making this decision. Please stay safe and our thoughts are with the NSW players currently in an extended lock down. SAVCA look forward to welcoming all states along with New Zealand as all roads lead to Adelaide in 2022.
Comments