Qld premier refuses to reveal cost to install Gabba wicket into new stadium

Brisbane's renowned Gabba cricket pitch is set to live on with a plan to preserve and install a wicket into the city's new Olympic stadium, but the premier has refused to reveal how much it will cost.In the coming weeks, a full-sized wicket tray will be installed alongside the stadium's existing wicket block, which will then be monitored and trialled during practice and domestic matches over 18 months.The new wicket will use the same dimensions, clay base, soil and turf as the existing Gabba wicket. It will be transported and installed into Brisbane's new 63,000-seat stadium following the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Premier David Crisafulli said the aim was to bring the "DNA" to the new stadium and lock in the city as the home of the first Test of the season.David Crisafulli would not reveal the cost of the cricket wicket and transport. (ABC News)"If we get the pitch right, we mount a credible case why Australian cricket should start the summer here," he said."While we didn't have an option around the future of the Gabba, we are taking its most iconic bit and bringing it to a new home to create some new memories for Aussies."An artist's impression of the new Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park. (Supplied: Queensland Government)However, when asked Mr Crisafulli would not reveal the cost, but said it would be part of the $7.1 billion funding envelope for Games infrastructure."It will be worth every single cent, and it will be part of the cost of delivering the Games," he said."There is no way I'm going to reveal [the cost]. Of course we know how much it is going to cost, but there will always be variations, and one of them is transport, but we have to do it within budget."Mr Crisafulli said the government would reveal the costs of projects once they were completed."If you pick a figure based without any science, any rigour, the market will buy the figure, and then they'll get you," he said. Gabba valued by Aussie cricketersStadiums Queensland chief executive Todd Harris said the pitch would be ready in time for the 2032/33 season."The trays will give us great flexibility in the new stadium to move in and out as quickly as possible and transition the venue from cricket to different modes of sport," he said.He added moving the wicket would be a big undertaking, with it most likely to be trucked to its new home.Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne said it was exciting that the unique pitch would continue for generations.Marnus Labuschagne says the Gabba's pitch is valued by the Australian team. (AP: Tertius Pickard)"England have struggled on this pitch. And many teams come here and struggle," he said."We value this surface and … the advantage this gives us in any Test series."Labor's shadow Olympic and Paralympic Games minister Grace Grace said while she supported the move, the premier should reveal the cost. "We call on the government once again to give us the openness and transparency that they promised the people of Queensland," she said.