Newcastle's senior cricket associations will make a decision about this weekend's matches on Saturday morning with officials monitoring air quality levels impacted by bushfires in the Hunter region and across the state.
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A smokey haze continued to blanket the sky on Friday afternoon accompanied by warm temperatures, but a change in conditions was predicted overnight and will be taken into consideration before making a call.
Newcastle District Cricket Association (NDCA) are midway through a two-day fixture from first to fourth grades. They also govern the 40-over social and development league while T20 semi-finals for Denis Broad Cup, under-21 and under-15 competitions are scheduled for Sunday.
Newcastle City and Suburban Cricket Association (NCSCA) oversee 14 competitions, from A to D5 grades.
Cricket NSW issued a statement to administrators and volunteers: "Regions across NSW and across the country continue to be affected by bushfires. Our thoughts go out to those communities during this difficult time".
"Cricket NSW would like all of its network of affiliated cricket associations and clubs to assess the prevailing conditions in their local area and take appropriate steps to ensure player safety remains paramount."
According to the Lower Hunter air quality index, the highest level for the region was a hazardous 336 as of Friday around 3pm.
NDCA sent a directive to all 12 clubs on Friday: "The NDCA acknowledges the air quality issue in the region at present and the seriousness of the matter".
"We are monitoring the situation and will make a decision on grade cricket matches scheduled for Saturday, December 7, tomorrow morning.
"If our indicators and advice show the air quality is at hazardous levels and a risk to health we may have to consider cancelling cricket tomorrow.
"A decision will be made and published around 9am."
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NCSCA followed suit on Friday: "The NCSCA board of management are closely monitoring the current poor air quality situation".
"Decisions regarding whether competition games will go ahead will be made tomorrow morning.
"As per the chart, should the air quality index reach a hazardous level, serious consideration must be given to whether tomorrow's games go ahead."
City's first XI captain Jonty Major said: "we'd love to get on and play and try to push for the win, but everybody's health comes first".
Approaching day two, City have hosts Wallsend 1-13 after making 208.
Elsewhere in the Newcastle district top grade on Saturday, visitors Waratah resume at 6-187 with 14.2 overs left to bat against Uni. Charlestown need 16 runs and Toronto two wickets, Hamwicks are chasing Merewether's 7-260, Cardiff (142) host Belmont (3-41) and Stockton (0-12) are away to Wests (7-362).
