Cricket Australia’s National Anthem Policy: Understanding the Protocol
Cricket Australia does not play the national anthem at Big Bash League (BBL) matches, a long-standing policy that has recently drawn renewed scrutiny and criticism. The organization maintains that the anthem is reserved for international fixtures, such as Test matches, One Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals, rather than domestic club-based competitions.
The Policy Framework for Australian Cricket
The decision to exclude “Advance Australia Fair” from BBL broadcasts and stadium ceremonies is consistent with Cricket Australia’s established match-day protocols for domestic leagues. According to official Cricket Australia guidelines, the national anthem is performed exclusively at international matches to mark the formal representation of the country on the global stage.
This practice distinguishes between the domestic entertainment focus of the BBL—which prioritizes fan engagement, club identity, and high-speed match play—and the ceremonial requirements of international cricket. Critics, including Sky News host Chris Kenny, have argued that the omission reflects a broader trend of institutional discomfort with national symbols. However, Cricket Australia has not issued a formal statement suggesting the decision is motivated by political sentiment, maintaining instead that the protocol remains unchanged since the inception of the BBL.
Comparing Domestic and International Match Protocols
The divide in anthem usage is not unique to cricket; it is a common feature across many professional sports leagues in Australia.
| League/Event | Anthem Performed | Context |
| :— | :— | :— |
| BBL (Domestic) | No | Club-based competition |
| Test Cricket | Yes | International representation |
| AFL Grand Final | Yes | Major national event |
| NRL Club Matches | No | Club-based competition |
While the AFL and NRL perform the anthem at major season-ending events or specific commemorative rounds, standard weekly club matches in those codes also frequently proceed without the anthem. Cricket Australia’s approach aligns with this broader industry standard, where domestic matches are viewed as club-level entertainment rather than state-level diplomatic events.
Historical Context and Public Debate
The debate over the national anthem in Australian sport has evolved significantly over the past decade. In 2021, the Australian government officially changed one word in the national anthem, shifting “for we are young and free” to “for we are one and free” to better reflect the nation’s Indigenous history.
Despite these changes, the protocol for domestic sports remains largely at the discretion of the governing bodies. Cricket Australia has faced periodic questions regarding its ceremonial choices, but the organization has continued to uphold the distinction between domestic and international match-day procedures. As the BBL continues to balance its role as a commercial entertainment product, the absence of the anthem remains a point of contention for those who believe national symbols should be integrated into all high-profile sporting events, regardless of the competition level.
Moving forward, there is no indication from Cricket Australia that the current match-day protocols for the BBL will be revised for future seasons.
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