Ian Healy slams Sheffield Shield ‘debacle’ as uncertain summer of cricket awaits

Frustrations over the late postponement and cancellation of a Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and Tasmania on Tuesday have hit breaking point, with cricket legend Ian Healy describing the matter as a “debacle”.

Tasmania fled Queensland after a number of positive Covid cases were detected in Brisbane, but the decision was made with little to no consultation of senior Cricket Australia figures.

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The withdrawal of Tasmania is another cruel blow to cricket ahead of a huge summer, as the lack of preparation ahead of the upcoming Ashes series leaves Australian players with the potential for minimal match practice going into the Tests.

Healy, who also sits on the board of Queensland Cricket, took a frustrated stance on the issue at hand and also aimed his anger towards Cricket Australia officials.

“They (Tasmania) totally disregarded the leadership of cricket,” Healy told SEN.

“Lockdown’s never happened immediately, there’s always a 12-hour period minimum where you can fly out.

“What about the leadership of cricket, and the integrity of the Sheffield Shield?

“Does it mean nothing to this Cricket Australia operations committee?”

Healy was in disbelief over the disregard of Australia’s oldest cricket competition, as the fixture remains to be rescheduled.

“This is a traditional competition that’s just been fluffed,” Healy said.

“It’s an absolute debacle.”

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson found out the unfortunate news regarding Tasmania's withdrawal from a groundsman, and described the decision as “rushed” and “panicked”.

According to Svenson, not even Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley had knowledge of Tasmania’s decision.

“I rang Nick Hockley. I asked Nick whether he was aware that the game had been postponed and then ultimately cancelled,” Svenson told SEN.

“To be honest, Nick and I both weren’t aware.

“I think there’s a flaw in the decision making process, in my personal view.

“The Cricket Australia operations team took a really cautious decision given emerging news in Brisbane, but unfortunately that decision to postpone and ultimately cancel the match was done before we heard from the Premier and the CHO (chief health officer).”

Svenson believes the Tasmanian team’s hasty exit was because of the advice it received from its government, as any resulting lockdown in Queensland would lead to a struggle to get back into Tasmania.

While the Queensland chief admitted he understands the decision made, he said more information should have been used in making the call.

“I just appeal to those people who made the decision,” Svenson said.

“I think there has been a learning process that has happened and I’m pleased it’s happened at the beginning of the season, as opposed to halfway through.

“But there is a level of getting the right information before making the call.”

As of Wednesday, all future Sheffield Shield fixtures have been postponed as the sport braces for an uncertain immediate future.