The term ‘summer of cricket’ appears to be truer in the 2019-20 season than ever before.
As in past years, viewers have the option to tune into Test cricket by day and then flick over to the BBL at night, with the occasional double-header creating a slice of paradise for the cricket tragic.
With the WBBL becoming its own increasingly tantalising yearly event, and the option of Kayo available for those wanting to tune into games in South Africa and across the Tasman, the surplus of cricket available to watch is greater than any federal budget could ever deliver.
Which is why there is simply no need for a Christmas Day match when it comes to the men’s BBL.
Talk about à Christmas Day match has flown around administrative circles for a while now, and granted the popularity of public holiday sporting matches make it à tempting move.
The boxing day Test is the obvious point of reference, with the Adelaide NYE clash and Christmas eve clash in Hobart both pencilled in as big money grabs for the franchise.
More broadly speaking, Anzac Day offers massive traditional matches for both NRL and AFL codes, and in the US both the NFL and NBA hold events of Christmas Day that boast huge commercial value.
Indeed, Sheffield Shield games used to see action on Christmas Day, and the Aussies even played à day of Test cricket against the West Indies back in 1951 on December 25th.
However, administrators have conceded that players have opposed the idea of playing on the universal day of celebration, and given the amount of globe-trotting and constant pressure to perform the players experience, giving them just one day off on a day where most of the public have their own family commitments anyhow is a logical way forward.
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Working on Christmas Day is a task considered thankless at the best of times, no matter how well paid you are. And while some might protest that these cricketers enjoy huge amounts of money splashed in their accounts every year, let’s take a moment to think of the camera crews, the food stall owners, the hospitality workers, the security guards, the car-park attendees and everyone else who would be forced to give up time with their families on the one day that they should be able to enjoy some uninterrupted relaxation.
Additionally, cricketers have been vocal about their desire to be mindful of their mental well-being, with a number of key players in the summer set up taking time out in order to prioritise their mental health ahead of simply playing a game.
These cricketers go above and beyond to deliver us entertaining fixtures every single day of the summer. Surely we can tear ourselves away from the screen and allow them a day off.
mds1970
Roar Guru
Christmas Day cricket would rate well on telly, but absolutely no-one would attend live. For it to happen, a team would have to be willing to take a hit at the box office; and cop a backlash from their members about paying for a game they can't attend.
TheGeneral
Roar Rookie
In most countries, YES.
TheGeneral
Roar Rookie
When you were younger and wanted to earn extra money, fine. I spoke to two friends who have to work on Christmas day. They are both casuals, and did say the money is good, but both also said they would rather be with family and friends. I am sure that would be the case instead (as both said) they have menial jobs, serving beer and waiting on tables. I am sure the diner's are enjoying Xmas.
Omnitrader
Roar Rookie
Obviously, they could just be celebrating the solstice, which has been celebrated for a long time before christians stole the holiday for themselves.
Tom
Maybe you should be thinking about the ground and catering staff that want to work Christmas Day and might need the extra work to make ends meet? I would have loved the choice of working on Christmas day for the penalty rates when I worked in hospo when I was younger, and I know a lot of people I worked with would have too.
TheGeneral
Roar Rookie
Most of the workers having to work on Xmas day probably have no choice. They are mostly in the lower paid bracket, and if they told their boss they would not work I hate to say how much longer they would have a job. I am not a Christian, but Xmas day with the family and friends I enjoy. Missing a few hours of sport ? Just go and play a bit of backyard cricket with the family. That should suffice.
TheGeneral
Roar Rookie
Please TRY to be civil in your reply. Some people really care, not just one day of the year as you imply.
TheGeneral
Roar Rookie
No we are not all Christians. But don't you think even the players would love to spend a day with family exchanging presents etc on Christmas day. I am sure they would rather be doing that, than spending a day in 40 degree heat. And if you are so bored on Christmas night I feel for you. Enjoy with family or whatever.
Kanggas2
Roar Rookie
Why do people get so angry about not having sport on one day of the year ? Anger is a big over reaction in this case .
Kanggas2
Roar Rookie
I’ll be helping the homeless Max . Thanks for name calling me , to try to belittle me .
Max power
Guest
Yeah, because there’s no way the staff want to work Thank you for telling me how to spend Christmas Day, maybe this year I’ll see you at a soup kitchen ? Thinking about them one day a year really helps Thanks Tony Abbott
Max power
Guest
“Universal day of celebration”?
Rational Ron
Guest
Too right, Maybe no sport should also not be played on Good Friday? Its a secular society, people can roster a day off if they don't want to work. Workers would get penalty days anyway. When I lived in London many years ago at least the pub was open for a few hours to escape the same boring repeated tv stuff of Christmas specials in the evenings. Its a few frigging hours in the evening if sport is on! Not everyone believes in make believe in the birth of Christ and the immaculate conception with virgin Mary!
Kanggas2
Roar Rookie
Americans have nba on Xmas , lol. There are lots of things America does that Australia shouldn’t copy . Let the ground and catering staff have the day off. How about this Christmas , people think more about the homeless people in Australia or maybe the kids who families can’t afford basic living standards , instead of whining about a day free of sport .
Mr Ed
Guest
Whats the difference between Good Friday and Christmas Day as a public holiday with sport? Staff would receive penalty rates for working. Not everyone wants to watch endless repeated Christmas rubbish on tv.
Brian
Guest
Thanks Tony Abbott. No one said cricketers should not have days off. We are not all Christians and the vast majority couldn't care less about the church. How is a game on TV going to stop anyone enjoying their Christmas. The fact is by Christmas night there is nothing to do and so if the Americans can enjoy some NBA games why can't those who want enjoy the cricket.