Nick Hockley says cricket’s Australia Day recognition has not changed

Cricket Australia is copping it for a stance on Australia Day recognition, but the boss of the game has now hit back at the anger.

Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley is adamant the governing body is not “boycotting Australia Day” despite conceding a limited acknowledgment will take place during the second Test against the West Indies.

The move to schedule the Test over the Australia Day holiday caused concern, with star Australian women’s all-rounder Ash Gardner, who is Indigenous, among those who called on CA not to play on January 26.

CA consulted with its Indigenous advisory board NATSICAC in the lead-up to both the scheduling and the commemoration of January 26 and while the day will be recognised, the term “Australia Day” won’t be used.

On Tuesday, Hockley said the move was only to recognise the day means “different things to different people”.

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley says there is no Australia Day boycott. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Australian and Sydney Sixers cricketer Ash Gardner has been outspoken against playing on Australia Day. Pic: Phil Hillyard

“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.

“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 said CA’s stance was not new and in keeping with discussions held with all relevant parties.

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

“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.

An Aussie Fan waves the Australian flag during day four of the Men's First Test match between Australia and Pakistan at Optus Stadium. (Photo by James Worsfold - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

“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.

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

On Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australians needed to “stop looking for areas in which we can be outraged” amid outcry over CA’s move after NSW Premier Chris Minns urged the sporting body to “revisit the decision”.