Adelaide Oval will not host the upcoming Sheffield Shield final.
That's according to a fresh report from Channel 9's Braden Ingram, who confirmed the final will instead be played at the Karen Rolton Oval.
The AFL was reportedly concerned over the timing of the Sheffield Shield, saying it could put players' health and safety in jeopardy by transforming the ground from cricket to football.
All drop-in pitches that were used during the summer have already been removed from the Adelaide Oval - with Adelaide set to kick off their season this Sunday against North Melbourne.
Breaking - I can confirm Adelaide Oval WONโT host the Sheffield Shield Final.
AFL deterred by fears ground transformation couldnโt be completed in time for Crows game.
Karen Rolten Oval to host final.@FootyonNine @9NewsAdel
— Braden Ingram (@bradeningram) March 13, 2025
Curators were confident they could reinstall the drop-in pitch with minimal impact to the ground, however the AFL was reportedly deterred by fears the ground transformation would not be completed in time.
Player safety is also a chief concern. For a cricket match, curators will need to further cut back the grass on the pitch. However, the AFL standard requires the grass to be much longer to help cushion players, with fears it won't be able to grow back fast enough in time for Sunday's game.
If any rain were to hit following the test match, the curators would have further difficulty in changing the surface in time for the Crows clash on Sunday.
"In the perfect world, we would all like to see the Shield final played at Adelaide Oval," Adelaide CEO Tim Silvers said, according toย The Advertiser.
"I think all the stakeholders involved have been open-minded and are actively exploring every avenue to try and make it happen.
"However, it can't come at the expense of the health and safety of our players.
"Nor should our club be exposed financially, if for some reason our game of footy can't go ahead, or there's unforeseen issues."
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg released a statement following the AFL's decision,
"We are disappointed South Australia has been prevented from hosting the Sheffield Shield final at Adelaide Oval," Greenberg said.
"The Sheffield Shield final is a significant event for Australia's national sport, and we believe Adelaide Oval would have been the most appropriate venue.
"I would like to thank Premier Malinauskas for his advocacy in this matter and his passionate support of cricket and the South Australia Cricket Association which made an extremely compelling case to host the final at Adelaide Oval.
"March is a very important month for cricket, including the Sheffield Shield and Premier and club cricket finals.
Strongly worded statement from Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg on Shield Final.
Fair to say a few wounds may have opened up between football and cricket after this past week. @9NewsAdel @FootyonNine pic.twitter.com/0PXW9seKkN
— Braden Ingram (@bradeningram) March 14, 2025
"We will continue to work collaboratively at all levels to ensure cricket gains and provides appropriate access to shared venues across the country."
There were also concerns raised over a potential cash request by the Adelaide Crows to allow the Sheffield Shield final to be played at the venue.
South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas shot down this incentive on March 12, describing it as a โgallingโ request.
"Just handing over cash is not something that I'll be doing. I hope this doesn't get in the way of it," said Malinauskas.
The Sheffield Shield final will now reportedly go ahead at the Karen Rolton Oval on March 26, with the Adelaide Crows to kick off their season at home this Sunday.