- Sporting body said Australia Day would not be commemorated in 2025
- Cricket Australia did not mention Australia Day at Gabba Test
- January 26 has become a very divisive day for Aussies
The incoming CEO of Cricket Australia says that Australia Day will be commemorated from now on after the sporting organisation decided to not make reference to the national public holiday earlier this year.
Cricket fans across the nation won’t see any team in green and gold playing on Australia Day this summer because of a clash with the Australian Open.
But recently appointed cricket CEO Todd Greenberg says that going forward Australia Day will be celebrated and cricket will be played.
‘The cricket Australia board has spoken about it and they will playing matches in the future on Australia Day – but they do understand that we will need to do that respectfully and consult the right people and the right groups,’ Greenberg told 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham.
‘My personal view on this is that I’ve loved Australia Day since i was a kid, but when you reflect on history and listen to other people’s views you can appreciate it is a difficult day for some people.
‘So, we have to respect that, but ultimately I think what you’ll see going forward is that if there’s opportunities to play cricket on Australia Day we will be – we will just do it respectfully.
Australian cricket CEO Todd Greenberg (pictured) says that going forward Australia Day will be celebrated by the sporting body
Cricket Australia refused to mention the national public holiday during the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane earlier this year
Fordham quizzed Greenberg on what he meant by ‘respectfully’, explaining that many Australians feel like they aren’t allowed to celebrate the day.
‘Oh, no, we will be celebrating it – absolutely!’ Greenberg replied.
‘For those who who want to celebrate it, they are more than welcome to – and a day at the cricket is probably the best way to do it.
‘When I say ‘respectfully’, it’s just making sure that we understand that the day means different things to different people. And making 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 ‘hurt and mourning’.
Gardner found support from men’s Test captain Pat Cummins and star batter Steve Smith.
Both claimed January 26 is not an appropriate time to celebrate the national holiday, with the date a highly controversial issue due to the landing of the First Fleet from Britain in Australia.
Smith formed his view after chatting with teammate Scott Boland, who has Indigenous heritage.
Indigenous cricketers Scott Boland and Ash Gardner have expressed their reservations about playing on Australia Day
Australia cricket captain Pat Cummins (pictured) has called for the the date of Australia Day to be changed
However Cricket Australia’s attempt to placate such opponents by shying away from acknowledging the national day also angered players who wanted the day celebrated.
Former test player Greg Ritchie was one of those.
‘I am quite disappointed to read the 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.’
