Fans calls for the Big Bash League to make a VERY controversial change – as star cricketer reveals the hilarious reason it’ll never work for him
- The call for BBL to make a major switch is growing
- Star hitter Tom Rogers responded with a funny comment
- However, other Big Bash players are open to the idea
Melbourne Stars opener Tom Rogers has revealed the hilarious reason why he would likely miss BBL matches on Christmas Day, while others say they are 'open' to the concept as calls for more sport over the festive period grow louder.
Rogers and the Stars traveled to Sydney to face the Sixers on Boxing Day – one of two matches that evening – but selectors may have to look for a replacement if the BBL schedules matches on December 25 in the future
“I physically don't think my mother would allow me to do that,” he said after his team's breakthrough.
'I don't think I'd be let out of the house if there were games at Christmas.
“It's a very special day, so you should ask my mother.”
Tom Rogers says he doesn't think his mother would let him play cricket on Christmas Day
Other sporting codes schedule matches on Christmas Day to fill a vacancy in the national sporting landscape
The BBL has resisted the urge to hold matches at Christmas, despite the NBL pulling the trigger on one match last year and playing two more this year, with 8,578 in house to watch the Illawarra Hawks stun the Sydney Kings.
More than 16,000 fans attended the SCG on Tuesday, while 42,000 people watched the Scorchers beat the Renegades later that evening.
While Boxing Day has traditionally been the biggest day in the cricket calendar, the Hobart Hurricanes have hosted BBL matches on Christmas Eve for the past two seasons, although there were no matches on December 24 this year.
Cricket Australia has not ruled out Christmas matches in the future, with the fairest solution being to play a derby to limit interstate travel for the players.
Sixers skipper Moises Henriques is not against the idea, but says there are a number of factors organizers need to consider.
'I'm certainly open to it, but I think as players we're in a fortunate position where we're maybe financially rewarded a little bit better than some of the staff and all the other people who go out and make a game work. ' he said.
“It's a sacrifice for us as players but there are so many people organizing a cricket match so it's not just us who will miss it on Christmas Day.
Many fans and players believe that a game on Christmas Day would be very popular
'First of all, I think it should be a derby in the same city where you can at least spend the morning or lunch with the family.
“I'm open to anything that could potentially grow the game, but will people come on Christmas Day? That's the other argument because I'm sure it will be watched on television, but how big will the audience be on Christmas Day? I just don't know the answer.
'It's not just about what the players want. There are many people who make a cricket match possible. Asking them all to sacrifice a Christmas is (hard).
“Honestly, they might not get paid enough to sacrifice that. It's a big ask and a big sacrifice for many people.'