Here’s what's going to happen if the BBL 2019-20 final is washed out

The final of the Big Bash League 2020 will be played between Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars is supposed to be played at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground on February 9, 2020. However, the weather forecast is no so good looking for the big day for one of the most popular T20 leagues in the world, which has seen conditions play a big role.

Before the rains, it was the smoke and choking conditions generated by the bushfires that have ravaged the Australian continent for quite some time now. However, this time rains are expected to play spoilsport as the time nears for the final, with the forecast predicting a complete washout of the game. Even Sixers’ premier fast bowler Josh Hazlewood hoped for a complete washout, rather than a lottery match of 5 overs per side.

Which side wins if the BBL 2019-20 final is washed out?  

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting that 60-130mm of rain could fall in Sydney on Friday, 45-90mm could fall on Saturday, and 40-80mm could fall on Sunday. Therefore, even a reserve day would not help much in case of a downpour. Now the big question is which team gets to keep the winning trophy if the rain gods don’t let the match happen.

Well, according to current BBL rules and regulations for 2019-20, rule 16.10.2.7 states: “If there is a tie (with no ‘Super Over’ possible), No Result or an Abandoned match in the “Grand Final” then the home team shall be declared the winner of the “Grand Final” and BBL Champions.” This means Sydney Sixers will be crowned BBL champions.

This may not be the ideal outcome that either of the teams or the crowd wants, but the BBL format is designed in such a way that the qualifier match gives the top two teams a double chance. Winner of the said match would host the final and become de facto No.1 seed. Also, since there has been no wash out in the previous seasons of the Big Bash, there has been no allocation for as reserve day for the final encounter.

Cricket Australia also denied any possibility of moving the final to a new city for a final to happen. They have already moved the Bushfire fundraiser T10 match that was due to be played at the SCG on Saturday in the lead-up to the BBL final. Albeit, the final of the BBL 04 between the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers was played at a neutral venue- the Manuka Oval in Canberra.

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