Hurricanes-Heat Clash Raising Funds for Cancer

The Hobart Hospital and the Ponting Foundation, supported by Cricket Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government, aim to raise $500,000 for children with cancer in Tasmania. Last year, they raised $284,000, with each dollar matched by the government.

The Ponting Foundation has had a six-month lead time for fundraising this year. The Hobart Hurricanes’ BBL game against Brisbane Heat is part of the strategy with $5 from every ticket sold going to the foundation. The initiative aims to support families and children with cancer, ensuring they receive the best care possible in Tasmania.

“We want to get all Tasmanians behind the game tomorrow to support the Hobart hurricanes to do the job against Brisbane Heat,” said Health Minister Guy Barnett.

The Tasmanian Government is matching funds raised for this cause by the Ponting Foundation.

“We’re hoping that over the next 48 hours, we can raise around the $500,000 mark that will go directly back into the Tasmanian health system,” said Ricky Ponting, former Australian cricket captain. “And one of the areas that Rhiannon and I have spoken to Kate (Burbury) about is making sure we have the best care we possibly can for our Tasmanian kids.”

The money will go towards improving services for children with cancer.

“We know that cancer is still the leading cause of death in our young patients, and more importantly, has an i incredible impact in their journey, and despite new treatments, really, we haven’t improved overall survive in the last 20 years,” said Dr Kate Burbury, Executive Director of Medical Services at Royal Hobart Hospital.

“The reality of this is really what underpins how important this initiative is, and what it will build is a wraparound and dedicated support service to influence access to good, high quality care that is compassionate, connected and will transform the lives of our young patients and their families throughout the whole of Tasmania.”

Tickets for the fundraising match (more details below) will be available at the gate or online.

Match Preview

After sharing the points with the Sixers due to a no-result caused by rain, the Hobart Hurricanes will be hoping to return to the winner’s list and guarantee their spot at the top of the BBL ladder.

With the Hurricanes being the first team to complete their regular-season fixtures, the Scorchers, Stars and Sixers will all have an opportunity to finish first if Hobart lose to the Heat tomorrow night.

If results go the Hurricanes’ way, there is still a possible scenario where they could finish first, but a win would remove any risk of this uncertainty.

Tomorrow’s match against the Heat sees one change from the squad that faced the Sixers, with skipper Nathan Ellis returning after being managed in the last game, replacing Charlie Wakim.

Jake Weatherald, who has been unavailable due to the Ashes, will not feature in this match against the Heat. He is likely to return for the BBL Finals next week.

Hobart Hurricanes BBL|15 squad for the match against the Heat is as follows:

Rehan Ahmed

Nikhil Chaudhary

Nathan Ellis (C)

Rishad Hossain

Chris Jordan

Ben McDermott

Riley Meredith

Mitch Owen

Will Prestwidge

Billy Stanlake

Matt Wade

Tim Ward

Beau Webster

Mac Wright

In: Ellis

Out: Wakim (Omitted)

Match Details

Hobart Hurricanes vs Brisbane Heat

Wednesday 14 January 2026

Bellerive Oval, Hobart

First ball: 19:15  AEDT

Broadcast: Seven | Fox Cricket Livestream: 7Plus | Kayo Sports | cricket.com.au