The Big Bash League match between Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes at The Gabba in Brisbane was interrupted on Thursday due to a fire. The incident occurred when the DJ booth caught fire near the scoreboard during the match. Despite several efforts from the Gabba staff to extinguish the flames, the fire persisted for a short time. According to local reports, no injuries were reported, and the situation was quickly brought under control.
As a precautionary measure, spectators seated near the scoreboard were evacuated and moved to different areas of the stadium. At the time of the interruption, the Hurricanes were batting and had scored 47/0 after four overs, chasing down Heat’s total of 201/6. The fire caused a delay of several minutes as both players and staff waited for the situation to be resolved.
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Commentators Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan observed the fire, with Gilchrist remarking, “Oh no, the DJ,” and noting the fire’s intensity. Vaughan jokingly quipped, “What’s he done?” while Brad Haddin added humor, saying, “He certainly lit up the place.”
Play was delayed at The Gabba when a fire broke out in the stands. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/v2J2OktfuF
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 16, 2025
Adam Gilchrist also mentioned that the music was still playing despite the chaos. As the fire continued to smolder, Haddin remarked, “Play delayed due to fire, I never thought I would see that,” highlighting the rarity of such an interruption.
Eventually, the fire was successfully extinguished using fire extinguishers, and play resumed after a brief delay.
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This incident follows a similar disruption in December last year when floodlights malfunctioned during the India-Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at Adelaide Oval. On the first day of the second Test, the floodlights went out twice during the evening session of the day/night pink-ball match, adding to the series of unexpected delays in cricket.
