‘We’re not boycotting Australia Day’: Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley cops 2GB grilling

Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley stumbled his way through a fiery radio interview, copping questions over his organisation’s stance on Australia Day.

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley has stumbled his way through a radio interview that left the organisation’s leader desperately trying to defend its decision to axe any Australia Day acknowledgment at Friday’s Test match in Brisbane.

Cricket Australia is on the back foot after deciding to cancel any mention of Australia Day on Friday, January 26, during the Test match between Australia and the West Indies at the Gabba.

It’s believed a ground announcer will make mention of January 26, but nothing of Australia’s official national day.

The decision has been met with a backlash from past and present cricketers, and also NSW Premier Chris Minns, who encouraged CA to “revisit its decision’’.

Hockley froze during an interview with 2GB’s Ben Fordham on Tuesday when asked if CA intends to recognise Australia Day.

“We’re recognising that the public holiday is a fantastic day for everyone to come and enjoy cricket,’’ Hockley said.

“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.’’

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Fordham then asked again if CA was recognising Australia Day or not.

Hockley responded by stating that CA was taking a consistent approach to their Australia Day activities in the past.

“Is that a yes or a no?”, Fordham repeated.

Hockley replied; “I think I’ve answered your question.’’

Fordham hit back, saying: “No you haven’t. I’ve asked if you’re recognising Australia Day?”

“We’re recognising that Australia Day is celebrated by lots and lots of people and people love watching the cricket and we’ve got a fantastic Test match,’’ Hockley replied.

Fordham then asked: “If it’s such a sensitive day and you’ve tied yourself in knots over it and that’s obvious listening to you now, why did you schedule it on Australia Day when you had some of these Indigenous players telling you not too?”

Hockley reiterated that: “Our approach on Friday is completely consistent with what it’s been for the last four or five years.

“We appreciate the many Australians that celebrate Australia Day and love watching the cricket on that day.

“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.’’

Day two of the Gabba Test will fall on Australia Day. Picture: Hamish Blair/Getty Images

Hockley was then asked whether the words “Australia Day” would be broadcast on loudspeakers on Friday.

“Um ... the ... they won’t and we’ve taken a consistent approach for the past …’’ Hockley said.

Fordham interjected by saying, “is that a no?”

“As I said Ben ... we are ...’’ Hockley said.

Fordham repeated: “I want a yes or no Nick, is Australia Day going to be mentioned over the loudspeaker on Friday?”

Hockley: “I don’t believe so, no.

“Respectfully Ben, we’re taking the same approach that we’ve taken over the last four or five years and taken on good advice.

“We want everyone to come along to celebrate Australia Day.”

Fordham then hit back: “But you won’t celebrate Australia Day. I don’t know how you’re including the majority of Australians who want to celebrate the national day.

“You’re not mentioning Australia Day. Just imagine saying to people, ‘we want to celebrate Christmas but we don’t want to mention Santa Claus’.’’

Originally published as ‘We’re not boycotting Australia Day’: Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley cops 2GB grilling