Cricket Australia has responded to reports that it has banned the playing of the national anthem from the Big Bash League final on January 26 next year.
The BBL schedule was released earlier this week and marked the return to cricket on January 26, which is still Australia Day, despite a public push to change the date of celebration in recent years.
The Scorchers’ Aaron Hardy celebrates the Sixers’ Steve Smith. Getty
Cricket Australia has not scheduled cricket on January 26 for the past two years and stopped mentioning Australia Day in official marketing campaigns five years ago.
But after the schedule was released and January 26 was announced as the final date for the BBL, a report from News Corp claimed that the national anthem would not be played at the event.
This prompted federal opposition leader Angus Taylor to take aim at Cricket Australia.
“While the news that cricket will be played again on Australia Day is welcome news, Cricket Australia’s decision not to play our national anthem is even more tone-deaf and moralizing,” Taylor wrote on social media.
“Yes, our past is not perfect. But our country’s achievements far outweigh its misdeeds, and our nation is worth celebrating.
“Instead of bowing down to activists who want to make Australians feel guilty about our past and ashamed of our nation, Cricket Australia should proudly perform our national anthem at the Big Bash final, reflecting the views of the vast majority of Australians – and cricket fans – who love our country and are deeply grateful to be Australian.”
Cricket Australia released a statement on Wednesday night denying it had made a decision on the national anthem.
“In response to some inaccurate reports and comments, it would be incorrect to state that the national anthem has been specifically excluded from this year’s BBL finals,” it said.
“We play the national anthem at international matches, but we usually don’t do it at domestic matches, including the BBL final.
“As stated at the launch of the BBL schedule, decisions regarding on-field ceremonies and other Australia Day formalities will be made closer to the game and in consultation with relevant clubs and stakeholders.”
The BBL season will begin in India for the first time with a match between Renegades and defending champions Perth Scorchers on December 12.