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Important SN update for SouthlandHealy: Cricket Aus not to blame for another Australia Day snub
SEN • July 3rd, 2025 12:03 pm
Ian Healy has had a dig at those criticising Cricket Australia for not scheduling any fixtures on Australia Day 2026.
It’s the second-straight summer where no cricket will be played on the public holiday, following 29 consecutive years when cricket was a mainstay on Australia Day.
While some have accused Cricket Australia of boycotting the day due to the political hot potato it’s become around the nation, Healy says that had nothing to do with the decision not to play on January 26 next year.
Instead, Healy says it’s purely a broadcasting decision with Channel Seven and Fox preferring that the Big Bash Final is played the day prior on January 25 given that it’s a Sunday night.
Cricket can also still be played on January 26 if the Big Bash Final is washed out on January 25.
“I'm having a dig at some people who are having a dig,” Healy told SENQ Breakfast.
“Some fans and some media have had a cynical dig at Cricket Australia for not scheduling cricket on Monday, January 26th because of the political hot potato it can become.
“Last year it was to stay away from ratings of the (Australian Open) tennis final from memory, but this year it's definitely at the request of the broadcasters.
“Channel Seven and Fox Sports know that the audiences will be bigger on the Sunday afternoon and evening for the Big Bash Final than they would be on the Monday, the last day of school holidays.
“Cricket Australia are willing to play on Australia Day because it's been scheduled as the reserve day if required.
“So, it's not a hot potato type decision this year, that's for sure. I don't care if the Brisbane Heat are in the Final, they’ll play on Sunday or Monday.
“So, Cricket Australia are not on the hook.”
Cricket Australia has previously announced a desire to return to playing on Australia Day, citing that they wanted to collaborate with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cricket Advisory Group to respectfully deliver cricket on 26 January.
