CRICKET ON CHRISTMAS DAY? BIG BASH ORGANISERS AND PLAYERS' UNION HAVE THEIR SAY

A debate is raging in Australia about whether matches should be scheduled on December 25

The Australian Cricketers' Association has spoken out against suggestions from Big Bash organisers that matches could be scheduled on Christmas Day.

Anthony Everard, the man in charge of Australia's annual T20 jamboree, claimed on Friday that the league is considering placing games on December 25.

He told radio station SEN: "It's very much in the formative stages, in the early days. There was a bit of discussion about it last year. We got a group together over the winter to consider all the different elements and perspectives.

"The key would be, it's not just about rolling out another game on another day. We would want to make it really special and would want to celebrate the Christmas tradition.

"We're keen to hear the feedback – we're going to undertake some more formal fan research over the season."

New Year's Eve already has its own Big Bash fixture, with Adelaide Strikers having enjoyed excellent crowds for their regular game on that date, but the ACA have said Christmas Day should be exempt.

^{The Adelaide Oval hosts Big Bash games on New Year's Eve}

"The evidence certainly supports the players' willingness to help grow the game, but we will need to further canvass the view of the player before this can be agreed," chief executive Alistair Nicholson said.

"Christmas Day is important down time for players to spend with their family and friends. It is important that players, who spend much of their time travelling and playing the game they love, stay connected to their family and friends.

"Research tells us that this is important for player wellbeing. Any discussion around playing on Christmas Day must also be considered in the broader context of domestic scheduling.

"This includes any expansion of the Big Bash or changes to Sheffield Shield and WNCL.

"The players continue to provide strong feedback on maintaining the strength and vitality of our domestic cricket competitions. We will continue to share those views with CA at our scheduling advisory group meetings."

^{Could the Big Bash take place on Christmas Day?}

Australia head coach Darren Lehmann waded in on the subject on Friday, again coming out in favour of protecting the occasion for players to spend with their families.

"It's a family day, isn't it?" Lehmann said.

"It's a really tough one - I don't mind (games being held on) New Year's Eve (and) New Year's Day.

"But Christmas Day, it's one of the few family days of the year, it's a really great day in the traditional of the family."

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