The return of Pakistan international star Harris Rauf to the Big Bash League is set to be delayed, with the Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers clash likely to be scrapped.
The teams were expected to take to Marvel Stadium in Melbourne this evening in a game which had already been relocated from the Western Australian capital Perth due to the coronavirus and border restrictions that came with it.
While the Big Bash League - and Ashes series - have been dodging COVID left, right and centre throughout the summer so far, it would appear it had become a case of you can run, but can't hide.
The time to run has finally run out though, with The Daily Telegraph reporting an official announcement on postponing the match is imminent with a positive case being detected in the Stars camp.
It's unclear who at this stage, however, a member of staff is believed to have tested positive this afternoon, leaving not enough time for the Stars to return negative PCR tests before the game commences.
The Ashes were almost struck by a similar fate ahead of Day 2 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground when an English staff member tested positive, however, after a delayed start to the day, the game was able to proceed following all players returning negative test results.
While neither club or Cricket Australia are yet to confirm the fate of tonight's match, it's understood Cricket Australia believe the risk is now too great for the game to go ahead.
It's also being reported the game will be rescheduled to later in the season, although the new date is yet to be confirmed.
