'This is a joke': Play abandoned due to 'Unsafe Pitch' in BBL 2023

In a surprising turn of events, the match between Renegades and Scorchers in BBL 2023 was abandoned due to the unfavorable playing conditions of the pitch. It occurred after rainwater leaked through the covers which caused the pitch to produce uneven bounce.

Here's the delivery that prompted the discussions.

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Why was Renegades vs Scorchers game abandoned?

The Scorchers were on 30/2 in 6.5 overs before umpires called off the game.  Josh Inglis was facing his seventh ball of the innings when the ball ballooned through to the keeper from good length. Instantly, the play was stopped for pitch inspection after uneven bounce.  

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Unfavorable conditions for play

As the inspection was underway, Renegades batsman Aaron Finch said, "I didn’t hear anything that the umpires were saying but obviously they’re concerned with how the balls are bouncing from that wet patch here. It’s on that good length. It’s six to seven metres length. A few balls are getting in there. They’re obviously a little bit concerned about that."

It was an unfortunate ending in Geelong.

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Furthermore, he added, "It’s been tapped in (by curators) but it’s just taking some big divots out of the surface there as well. You can see that one that Josh Inglis got just there, it’s gripped the seam and it’s bouncing ridiculously."

After a long discussion with the skippers of both team and match organisers, the was called off.

The on-field umpires said, "The last delivery behaved uncharacteristically, it behaved dangerously and we were forced to halt play. We had a look at the pitch, it didn't seem unplayable, we've seen such divots previously as well. We've got a few processes, some follow-up, we consulted and came up with the final decision." Both teams will share a point each.