Directors were forced to make the call on the 2022 event, which was scheduled to be held in Albury in January, following a lack of preparation for teams and athletes due to Covid restrictions.

New Zealand teams had already notified organisers that they would have to withdraw due to border closures, making it an all-Australian event.

However, after correspondence from both Basketball New South Wales and Basketball Victoria, it was decided the only option was to abandon the competition again.

Factors cited for the decision included an increase risk of injury for players due to a lack of preparations, as well as uncertainty surrounding cross-border travel and the return of sport.

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Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup secretary and Albury basketball stalwart Paul Gooding is once again saddened to see the event off the calendar next year.

"It is highly disappointing that we could not operate this event, which has a strong 35-year history prior to Covid impacting with the process," Gooding said.

"Many athletes, officials and coaches have been able to use the Cup to reach their pinnacle in this sport."

The Cup usually sees around 750 players, coaches and officials land on the border with their families, in turn boosting the Border economy.

Directors are already looking to revive the Cup in Albury-Wodonga for 2023, with January 16 to 21 locked in as the dates.

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