Win Projections to be updated soon
Sydney, 9 October 2025:
Usman Khawaja says cricket authorities should be open to shifting the Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests if doing so allows Australia’s top players to feature in the Big Bash League every year.
As part of ongoing discussions around potential BBL privatisation, proposals have included moving the tournament to an October-November slot to avoid clashes with rival overseas leagues.
The Sydney Morning Herald earlier reported that Pat Cummins and Travis Head had received dual $10 million offers to leave Australian cricket for full-time franchise commitments, underscoring Cricket Australia’s challenge to keep the BBL competitive.
Khawaja, a long-time advocate for privatisation, urged decision-makers to consider all options — including rescheduling the marquee Tests — to grow the game.
“At some level, everything that grows must change,” Khawaja told the Herald. “As much as I love the Boxing Day and SCG Tests, if it’s better for the growth of the game and allows Australian players to play in the Big Bash, it’s worth exploring. People don’t like change, but it’s about what’s best for the future.”
He added that while privatisation was necessary, it should come with safeguards over who controls the league and how it aligns with Cricket Australia’s broader objectives.
The idea of moving the Melbourne or Sydney Tests remains controversial, with CA chair Mike Baird and chief executive Todd Greenberg both insisting the traditional fixtures are not under threat.
Mitchell Starc, who recently joined the Sydney Sixers after retiring from international T20s, said he was firmly against altering the Test calendar.
“The Test schedule is not to be touched. Test cricket is the pinnacle,” Starc said. “I’d hate to see that change for domestic cricket.”
Another floated proposal involves shifting the BBL to October and November to capitalise on the “shoulder months” after football season — an idea first raised by the Australian Cricketers’ Association in 2014 but previously rejected by CA, which markets the league to families during school holidays.
Melbourne Stars allrounder Glenn Maxwell, recovering from wrist surgery, said competing overseas leagues were making it increasingly difficult for clubs to attract top international talent.
