New South Wales Win Sheffield Shield Title After Final Gets Cancelled Due To COVID19 Outbreak

"By effectively cancelling the remainder of our season, Cricket Australia is playing its part in protecting fans, players, staff, volunteers and match officials during this unprecedented global health issue," Kevin Roberts, the Chief Executive, said.

New South Wales Players (Image :Getty)

New Delhi: New South Wales were declared winners of Australia's premier domestic first class tournament Sheffield Shield after Cricket Australia decided to cancel all cricketing activities which included the Shield finals for the remainder of the season due to coronavirus outbreak. With 51 points from nine games courtesy six wins, New South Wales had already booked their place in the season ending grand finale scheduled for March 27. The table toppers were likely to face second ranked Victoria who had secured 38 points on the back of three wins and three draws in their nine games.

FURTHER CHANGES: Due to coronavirus, we've unfortunately had to cancel the remainder of the Marsh Sheffield Shield. We're also recommending that all amateur cricket matches played in the community should cease until further notice. MORE INFO I https://t.co/y9WyTuvERR pic.twitter.com/dyzxa4KXmi

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) March 17, 2020

"By effectively cancelling the remainder of our season, Cricket Australia is playing its part in protecting fans, players, staff, volunteers and match officials during this unprecedented global health issue," Kevin Roberts, the Chief Executive, said. "These are difficult decisions, but the right ones in the circumstances. "Many will no doubt be disappointed that the Sheffield Shield, Premier Cricket and Community Cricket seasons won't have their traditional ending. That said, we congratulate New South Wales who were 12 points clear at the top of the table on being crowned Sheffield Shield champions. "As organisations around the world rally to slow the spread of the coronavirus, it's important that we also provide decisive leadership. We hope that by taking these actions now - in addition to those announced in recent days - we can contribute to 'flattening the curve' of coronavirus and society returning to normal as quickly as possible." The rapid spread of the disease has led to the sporting calendar around the world come to a virtual standstill. The Australian cricket team's ODI series against New Zealand was called off, as was India's ODI series against South Africa. Both series were to be held in empty stadiums before being called off altogether.