Cricket Australia news, BBL final on Australia Day, Angus Taylor reacts to national anthem claim

Cricket Australia has fired back at a report claiming it has banned the playing of the national anthem at the Big Bash League final, which will take place on January 26 next year.

The BBL schedule was released earlier this week and marked a return to playing cricket on January 26, which is still Australia Day despite a social push in recent years to change the celebration’s date.

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Cricket Australia has not scheduled any cricket on January 26 for the past two years and stopped referencing Australia Day in official marketing campaigns five years ago.

But after the schedule was released and January 26 was named as the BBL final date, a News Corp report claimed the national anthem would not be played at the event.

It prompted federal opposition leader Angus Taylor to take aim at Cricket Australia.

“While it’s welcome news that cricket will again be played on Australia Day, Cricket Australia’s decision not to play our national anthem is yet more tone-deaf woke moralising,” Taylor posted on social media.

“Yes, our past is not perfect. But our nation’s achievements far outweigh the wrongdoings, and our nation is worth celebrating.

“Instead of kowtowing to activists who want to make Australians feel guilty about our past and ashamed of our nation, Cricket Australia should proudly play our national anthem at the Big Bash final, reflecting the views of the overwhelming majority of Australians – and cricket fans – who love our country and feel profound gratitude for being Australian.”

On Wednesday night, Cricket Australia issued a statement denying a decision had been made on the national anthem.

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“In response to some inaccurate reporting and commentary, it is incorrect to say the national anthem is being specifically excluded from this year’s BBL final,” it read.

“We play the national anthem at international matches, but do not usually do so at domestic matches including the BBL final.

“As stated during our BBL schedule launch, decisions about on-field ceremonies and other formalities on Australia Day will be made closer to the game and in association with the relevant clubs and stakeholders.”

The BBL season will begin in India for the first time with a match between the Renegades and reigning champions Perth Scorchers on December 12.

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