Due to risks regarding player safety and air quality concerns, the decision was made by Cricket NSW to cancel the competitions.

The annual junior representative outing was scheduled to be played on the Border between January 7 and 10.

David Moore, general performance manager at Cricket NSW, said the decision was a difficult one, but it needed to be made to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

"As all would understand, this decision has not been taken lightly," Moore said.

"The conditions in our state are unprecedented, including the destruction of property and nature, mass evacuations of towns and the loss of loved ones.

"Cricket New South Wales takes pride in caring for our people, and this is one time where we could not guarantee the safety of players and their families."

Five talented cricketers from Griffith were set to take part in proceedings, with the majority of them making their competitive debuts.

Hayden Forner, Ben Signor and James Roche had been selected for the unforgiving Bradman Cup squad.

Billy Evans and Ben Fattore had been chosen to bolster the ranks of a youthful Kookaburra Cup outfit.

Four of the five Riverina representatives were playing bottom age in their division, competing alongside and against teenagers over a year older than them.

Due to the Summer competitions being scheduled so far ahead of time, Cricket NSW has removed all likelihood of a postponement, opting for a complete cancellation instead.

David Moore remained disappointed in the decision, however, he made a point of thanking the host zone and its leaders for their continued efforts on the ground.

"Thank you to (Cricket Albury-Wodonga chairman) Michael Erdeljac on the hard work and commitment that he has put in to get this combined tournament up and running," Moore said.

"Michael's efforts are greatly appreciated both in the lead-up and now to the cancellation of venues and service provision to the tournament.

"Thank you also to Riverina Zone administrator David Nichols, who has done a power of work with Michael in getting this tournament to where we were ready to play.

"We encourage people to continue to play the game we love in their local areas while safe and to the benefit and enjoyment of our young players."

RELATED

***

While you're with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Monday at 6am from The Area News? To make sure you're up to date with all the Griffith and MIA news you can sign up here.