Central Stags team in action [Source: Twitter]
As an aftermath of the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in New Zealand, the final of the ongoing Ford Trophy 2022-23 has been postponed, which was due to take place on Sunday (Feb 19).
The cyclone primarily wreaked havoc in the Hawke's Bay area, where several players from the Central Stags team reside, who have already qualified for the final. Hawke's Bay and Central Districts chief executive Lance Hamilton in a statement said that player welfare is first and foremost in such times.
No re-scheduled date has been announced yet.
The Stags will face either Canterbury or Otago, who will clash it out in the middle on Saturday in an eliminator.
Here's what Hamilton said
"It's a player welfare issue, first and foremost. We have multiple players without power and water, who have only the barest of communication capability, and who are concerned for family members and friends.
It simply wouldn't be fair to take them away from their families at this time. We're deeply saddened to see the devastation the cyclone has caused to our region and our hearts go out to all those impacted."
Hamilton said that the Women's Central Hinds will play against Canterbury in the ongoing Hallyburton Johnstone series on Sunday as they have only one player from the Hawke's Bay area.
Both the New Zealand and England national teams paid their respects before the start of Day 1 of the first Test at Mount Maunganui today.
