Cricket Australia has confirmed that the Australian national anthem will be played at the Big Bash League (BBL) final on Australia Day, January 26. The decision marks a reversal after the governing body had initially indicated that "Advance Australia Fair" might not be played unless requested by the host city.
Former NSW transport minister David Elliott stated that he spoke with Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird, who assured him the anthem would be played. "He gave me an ironclad guarantee that wokeism is dead at Cricket Australia, and he's going to ... ensure that we sing the Australian national anthem on our national day," Elliott told 2GB.
The announcement follows public outcry and criticism from political figures. Liberal Party leader Angus Taylor had previously slammed the prospect of the anthem not being played, calling it "tone deaf woke moralising." He argued on X that "our nation is worth celebrating" and that Cricket Australia should "proudly play our national anthem at the Big Bash final."
Cricket Australia, in a statement, clarified that it does not usually play the national anthem at domestic matches, including the BBL final, though it is played at international fixtures. The organization stated that decisions regarding on-field ceremonies for Australia Day would be made closer to the game in association with relevant clubs and stakeholders. This statement was released prior to the confirmation that the anthem would indeed be played.
The BBL final's return to January 26 after a two-year absence also contributed to the public discourse surrounding the anthem's inclusion. The debate has been framed by some as a stand against "wokeism" and in support of celebrating national identity on Australia Day.