Heatwave stops Sydney club cricket

Forecast temperatures of up to 40 degree celsius have compelled Cricket New South Wales to cancel this weekend's round of Sydney club cricket games.

While the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Queensland at the SCG began, the decision for club cricket was reached on Friday afternoon after it was determined that there would not be adequate medical logistics to look after club cricket players in such extreme heat.

The NSW and Cricket Australia chief medical officer, doctor John Orchard, explained the decision. "My main concern is that Grade Cricket does not have the infrastructure in place to safely monitor and manage heat stroke in what is essentially an amateur volunteer-run organisation," he said. "At the SCG we have medical staff in place that will be monitoring players who are showing any signs of symptoms and making sure no one with heat stress returns to play. We also checked before the game that no one had pre-existing illness."

The NSW chief executive Andrew Jones advised other Sydney competitions, not under the direct control of the state association, to take similar action.

"This is not a decision we take lightly. We waited for the latest forecast possible before making a final decision," Cricket NSW CEO Andrew Jones said, stressing that welfare of players, umpires and volunteers was paramount. "We want men and women, girls and boys, to play as much cricket as possible however duty of care comes first. Cricket NSW does not administer local club cricket so each association should judge the suitability to play depending on local conditions in their region but the welfare of players and umpires must be the central consideration.

"These decisions should be made by local cricket authorities using their good judgement based on actual or anticipated local conditions. Both heat and humidity should be taken into account, with high humidity amplifying the heat.

"If there are any concerns about the safety and well-being, the association should take the sensible approach and cancel play on Saturday. Cricket NSW has also called off the Thunder and Sixers Girls Cricket Leagues."