Former Test wicketkeeper Ian Healy goes into bat for Cricket Australia after they avoid Australia Day

There will again be no cricket on Australia Day.

Cricket Australia has opted to avoid the divisive national holiday again, instead scheduling their showcase Big Bash League final to be played the day before on January 25.

The organisation has shown a willingness to return to action on the date at some point with Australia Day a reserve day for the final.

It would mean should the match not be able to be completed on the Sunday, it would be done so on the public holiday Monday.

Cricket Australia avoided playing the final on January 26 this year due to the Australian Open men’s final taking place on the day, not wanting to compete with Australia’s grand slam.

Some have criticised the organisation for seemingly boycotting the national holiday, but former Australian Test cricketer Ian Healy went into bat for the organisation.

“Some fans and some media have had a cynical dig at Cricket Australia for not scheduling cricket on Monday, January 26th because of the political hot potato it can become,” Healy told SEN.

“Last year it was to stay away from ratings of the (Australian Open) tennis final from memory, but this year it’s definitely at the request of the broadcasters.

“Channel Seven and Fox Sports know that the audiences will be bigger on the Sunday afternoon and evening for the Big Bash Final than they would be on the Monday, the last day of school holidays.

“Cricket Australia are willing to play on Australia Day because it’s been scheduled as the reserve day if required.

“So, it’s not a hot potato type decision this year, that’s for sure. I don’t care if the Brisbane Heat are in the Final, they’ll play on Sunday or Monday.

“So, Cricket Australia are not on the hook.”

Some of the game’s Indigenous stars, such as Ash Gardner, have previously aired reservations about playing on January 26 amid the deep emotions the date stirs in Aboriginal peoples across the country.