Big Bash Covid outbreak widens as Melbourne Stars report 15 cases

All 15 individuals - seven players and eight members of staff - are now isolating, and the match against Perth Scorchers on January 2 is in considerable doubt, as well as the Melbourne derby against the Renegades the following day

The Big Bash season is at risk of significant interruption after Melbourne Stars reported 15 positive Covid tests on Friday.

Stars put their entire playing and backroom staff through PCR testing after the identification of one case on their coach team, with the extent of the outbreak soon coming to light.

All 15 individuals - seven players and eight members of staff - are now isolating, and the match against Perth Scorchers on January 2 is in considerable doubt, as well as the Melbourne derby against the Renegades the following day.

The entire playing and coaching group will undergo further PCR testing on Saturday.

Melbourne Stars have not identified which individuals are affected.

"First and foremost, we wish everyone affected by this outbreak a quick and speedy recovery," general manager Blair Crouch said.

^{Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder went ahead on New Year's Eve despite four positive Covid cases (Sarah Reed/Getty Images)}

"The health and safety of our players and staff will continue to be our priority, especially with the challenges the new Omicron variant presents.

"We are providing all the support we can to players, staff and their families. I'd like to thank the medical teams at both Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia for their ongoing guidance and support."

The problems are not limited to one club.

Four Sydney Thunder players submitted positive tests ahead of their game against Adelaide Strikers on New Year's Eve, which still went ahead following urgent consultation between Cricket Australia and health officials from the South Australia government. 

Alistair Dobson, Big Bash general manager, said: "Firstly, our thoughts go to everyone in the community affected by the spread of Covid-19 in recent weeks, including members of our Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder squads.

"We thank the Strikers, Thunder and SA Health for their hard work today to ensure this match can proceed.

"We will continue to work closely with our clubs, relevant governments, broadcasters, partners and venues to ensure the season continues safely and successfully throughout January."