Major Cricket and Tennis Bodies Axe Australia Day Celebrations

‘Both cricket and tennis should revisit this decision … This is a day that we need to come together as a nation for,’ the NSW premier said.

Crowds celebrate Australia Day on day seven of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia on Jan. 26, 2020. Wayne Taylor/Getty Images

Cricket Australia and Tennis Australia, the peak sporting bodies for their respective sports, have decided against celebrating Australia Day, as public debate about the national day escalates.

Celebrated on Jan. 26, Australia Day coincides with the second day of the cricket Test match between Australia and the West Indies in Brisbane, as well as the semi-final matches for the Australian Open.