Boxing Day Test set to stay in Melbourne, despite drawn out negotiations

A new long term agreement to keep the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne is imminent despite fears interstate raiders could poach the iconic event.

A new long term deal to keep the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne is imminent despite months of protracted contract negotiations between Cricket Australia and the state government.

With little more than five months before Australia hosts India at the MCG in this year’s Test, the government and CA are yet to sign a new venue hire agreement to lock the blockbuster to its traditional home.

Negotiations have dragged on despite the latest three year deal expiring last summer, sparking fears interstate raiders such as South Australia, WA or NSW could poach a major event staged in Melbourne for more than 40 years.

A new deal for Sydney’s New Year’s Test is also yet to be signed.

But cricket’s governing body and the Allan government are closing in on a deal to extend the MCG drawcard for as long as six years.

Aussie fans Emma and friend Hilary at the Boxing Day test in 2022. Picture: David Caird

In a statement to the Herald Sun, Cricket Australia said: “Discussions with state and territory governments about hosting future international cricket matches continue to be constructive and are progressing well, including in Victoria.

“We look forward to announcing the location of men’s Test matches for the next six summers soon to provide certainty for cricket fans, governments, venues and local communities.’’

Asked about the face-off in May, Sports Minister Steve Dimopoulos refused to guarantee the Test would return to the MCG.

“I’d rather be prudent with the taxpayer spend by not flagging, publicly, any negotiations we may be having with anybody,’’ he said.

A government spokesperson confirmed negotiations were ongoing but said the Test was “a Victorian institution, and this iconic match has attracted hundreds of thousands of cricket fans to the ‘G over many decades.

“As the southern hemisphere’s largest stadium in the heart of the city, the MCG showcases the Test – and the sport of cricket more broadly – unlike any other venue,’’ they said.

“We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Cricket Australia and the

Melbourne Cricket Club on the Boxing Day Test and forthcoming summers of cricket.”

Josh Hazlewood appeals unsuccessfully for the wicket of Mohammad Rizwan during the 2023 Boxing Day test at the ‘G. Picture: Michael Klein

But Opposition sports spokesman Sam Groth said the government should have secured the future of the Test in Melbourne long ago.

“Is the government in such a dire financial position that it can’t lock in one of our most importing sporting events?’’ he said.

“They need to lock in the Boxing Day Test and do nothing else to damage our major events calendar.’’

Victorian fast bowler Scott Boland, who claimed an incredible 6-7 on debut at the 2022 Test, said the Boxing Day fixture belonged in Melbourne.

“It should be here forever,’’ he said.

‘‘I think the Boxing Day Test at the MCG is fairly iconic so hopefully it’s here at the MCG – the home of cricket – for a long time.’’

An MCC spokesperson said: “The Boxing Day Test is ingrained in the DNA of the MCG and we’re looking forward to hosting the next edition this December when Australia takes on India.

“We continue to work closely with Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria to bring the best cricket content to the ground for future years.”

The Herald Sun recently revealed most ticket prices would be frozen for this year’s Test.

Originally published as Boxing Day Test set to stay in Melbourne, despite drawn out negotiations