- The sporting body said Australia Day will not be commemorated in 2025
- Cricket Australia made no mention of Australia Day during Gabba Test
- January 26 has become a very divisive day for Aussies
The incoming CEO of Cricket Australia says Australia Day will now be commemorated after the sporting body decided earlier this year not to refer to the national holiday.
Cricket fans across the country won’t see a team in green and gold playing on Australia Day this summer due to a match with the Australian Open.
But newly appointed cricket CEO Todd Greenberg says Australia Day will be celebrated and cricket played in the future.
“Cricket Australia’s board of directors has talked about it and they will play matches on Australia Day in the future – but they understand that we have to do that respectfully and consult the right people and the right groups,” Greenberg said. 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham.
‘My personal view on this is that I have loved Australia Day since I was a child, but if you think about the history and listen to the views of others you can realize that it is a difficult day for some people.
“So we have to respect that, but ultimately I think what you’ll see in the future is that if there are opportunities to play cricket on Australia Day, we’ll just do it with respect.
Australian cricket CEO Todd Greenberg (pictured) says Australia Day will be celebrated by the sporting body in the future
Cricket Australia refused to mention the national holiday during the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane earlier this year
Fordham quizzed Greenberg on what he meant by “respectful” and explained that many Australians feel they are not allowed to celebrate the day.
‘Oh no, we’re going to celebrate, absolutely!’ Greenberg replied.
‘For those who want to celebrate, they are very welcome – and a day at the cricket is probably the best way to do that.
“When I say ‘respectfully,’ I just want to make sure we understand that the day means different things to different people. And ensure that we find a balance in this.’
The decision to schedule the Test over the Australia Day weekend in 2024 was itself controversial, with women’s all-rounder Ash Gardner previously describing it as a day of “pain and mourning”.
Gardner found support from Test captain Pat Cummins and star batsman Steve Smith.
Both claimed that January 26 is not an appropriate time to celebrate the national holiday as the date is a highly controversial issue due to the landing of the First Fleet from Britain in Australia.
Smith formed his opinion after a conversation with teammate Scott Boland, who has Indigenous descent.
Indigenous cricketers Scott Boland and Ash Gardner have expressed reservations about playing on Australia Day
Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins (pictured) has called for the date of Australia Day to be changed
However, Cricket Australia’s attempt to appease such opponents by not recognizing the national holiday also angered players who wanted the day to be celebrated.
Former Test player Greg Ritchie was one of them.
“I am quite disappointed to read that Cricket Australia has decided not to use the phrase ‘Australia Day’ for this Test match,” Ritchie said.
“It will be at the Gabba, my home ground, and to have an Australia Day Test there is special.”