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NSW declared Sheffield Shield winners

3 minute read

NSW have won the Sheffield Shield with Cricket Australia saying there's no prospect of a final being played as scheduled later this month.

KEVIN ROBERTS CEO of Cricket Australia speaks during Celebration Event at Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia.
KEVIN ROBERTS CEO of Cricket Australia speaks during Celebration Event at Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: AAP Image

New South Wales have been declared the winners of this season's Sheffield Shield as Cricket Australia (CA) advises all lower-tier competitions to shut down.

CA suspended the shield season with one round remaining in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, with NSW 12 points clear at the top of the table from next-best Victoria.

CA chief executive Kevin Roberts says it was an unanimous decision to award the Blues the shield with no prospect of a final being played as scheduled from March 27.

He said the Blues' big lead after nine rounds contributed to the agreement to award them the title rather than finish the season with a non-winner.

"A decision has been made at the state and territory chairman level together with our chairman, Earl Eddings, to cancel the Sheffield Shield final," Roberts said.

"It's really disappointing but it's the right thing to do in the circumstances and congratulations to NSW.

"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."

CA is also strongly recommending all other cricket competitions around the nation cease, although Roberts says the final decision remains with those organisations.

Roberts said CA had also closed its Melbourne headquarters with all staff told to work from home indefinitely.

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