- The sporting body said Australia Day would not be commemorated in 2025
- Cricket Australia did not mention Australia Day in Gabba Test
- January 26 has become a very divisive day for Australians.
Cricket Australia’s incoming chief executive says Australia Day will now be commemorated after the sporting organization decided not to reference the national holiday earlier this year.
Cricket fans across the country will not see any green and gold clad teams play on Australia Day this summer due to a clash with the Australian Open.
But Todd Greenberg, the newly appointed chief executive of cricket, says Australia Day will be celebrated and cricket will be played in the future.
“The Australian cricket board has spoken about it and they will play future matches on Australia Day, but they understand we will have to do it respectfully and consult the right people and groups,” Greenberg said. Ben Fordham, host of 2GB Breakfast.
‘My personal opinion on this is that I have loved Australia Day since I was a child, but when you reflect on the history and listen to other people’s opinions, you can appreciate that it is a difficult day for some people.
“So we have to respect that, but ultimately I think what we will see in the future is that if there are opportunities to play cricket on Australia Day, we will do it… we will just do it respectfully.”
Australian cricket chief executive Todd Greenberg (pictured) says the sporting body will celebrate Australia Day 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 about what he meant by “respectfully”, explaining that many Australians feel they are not allowed to celebrate the day.
‘Oh no, we’ll celebrate…absolutely!’ Greenberg responded.
‘For those who want to celebrate, you are more than welcome, and a day of cricket is probably the best way to do it.
‘When I say ‘respectfully’, it’s just to make sure we understand that the day means different things to different people. And make sure we find a balance there.”
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 men’s Test captain Pat Cummins and star batsman Steve Smith.
Both stated that January 26 is not an appropriate time to celebrate the national holiday, the date being a highly controversial issue due to the landing of Britain’s First Fleet in Australia.
Smith formed his opinion after chatting with teammate Scott Boland, who is of Indigenous heritage.
Indigenous cricketers Scott Boland and Ash Gardner have expressed reservations about playing on Australia Day.
Australia cricket captain Pat Cummins (pictured) has called for the date of Australia Day to be changed.
However, Cricket Australia’s attempt to placate such opponents by avoiding recognition of the national day also angered players who wanted the day to be celebrated.
Former Test player Greg Ritchie was one of them.
“I’m 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, which is my home ground, and to have an Australia Day Test there is special.”