Sydney Sixers players were given access to their phones before the BBL season opener against the Perth Scorchers on Sunday night, which allowed them to check in with loved ones after the shooting in Bondi. Cricket Australia has strict rules around anti-corruption before and during games, which forces players to hand over their phones to officials or have them locked away after arriving at the venue for a match.
On Sunday night, the rules were relaxed so Sixers players could contact their family and friends back in Sydney in the wake of the terror attack. The Sixers travelled to Perth for the BBL season opener against the Scorchers, and were warming up for Sunday night’s game at Optus Stadium when two gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach.
Sydney Sixers players were allowed access to their phones to check in with loved ones. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images)
None of the Sixers players were directly affected by the shooting, and everyone took the field as the game went ahead. Sixers bowler Charlie Stobo said his thoughts were with all those affected.
“We are wishing everyone affected speedy recoveries and all the best,” he told AAP. “We had our phones locked away. We were allowed to use them to just sort of check in with family and friends. It’s all happened pretty quickly.”
The Sixers lost by five wickets as the Scorchers chased down their target of 114 with five balls to spare. The match was reduced to 11 overs per side after rain and lightning caused a delay to the start of the fixture.
Charlie Stobo (centre) spoke out on the situation after the BBL season opener. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan revealed on social media on Sunday night he was dining at a restaurant in Bondi when the attack happened, which prompted staff to lock the doors. “Being locked in a restaurant in Bondi was scary,” he wrote. “Now home safe .. but thanks so much to the emergency services and the guy who confronted the terrorist … thoughts with all who have been affected.”
Aussie cricket star Usman Khawaja wrote online: “Truly devastating news from Bondi. Lives lost senselessly, families shattered, the Bondi community traumatised. There are no words – only heartbreak. My thoughts and prayers to all affected.”
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The Sydney Roosters NRL team, who are based in Bondi, wrote: “Our thoughts are with the Bondi community.” While the Sydney Swans AFL team wrote: “We are thinking of everyone affected by the Bondi tragedy. Bondi is part of our community and we are deeply saddened by these events. We are sending condolences to all and our thoughts and thanks are also with NSW emergency service personnel.”