Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley landed himself into controversy after his remarks defending CA’s move to host a Test on Australia Day. The hosts will take on West Indies in the AUS vs WI 2nd Test at the Gabba on Australia Day – January 26.
Australia Day remarks land CA chief in trouble ahead of AUS vs WI 2nd Test
Despite outbursts from indigenous players such as Australia women’s cricketer Ash Gardner, the CA chief remained adamant that they just wanted to play cricket on that day. Hockley claimed that they were not boycotting Australia Day and that they were mindful that it meant different things to different people.
“We’re recognising that the public holiday is a fantastic day for everyone to come and enjoy cricket,‘’ Hockley told 2GB in Sydney.
“We’re not boycotting Australia Day, we want to play cricket on Australia Day, we’re just mindful that it means different things to different people.
The CA chief further claimed that the board was trying to be respectful to everyone, adding that the same approach had been taken in the last 4-5 years. Hockley also admitted that the day would be difficult for elite players from indigenous background.
“We are also conscious that others, including our elite female and male players, particularly those with Indigenous backgrounds, it’s a difficult day for them.
“What we’re trying to do is really to be respectful to everyone.
“We’re taking the same approach that we’ve taken over the last four or five years and taken on good advice.”
