Cricket Australia has taken another step towards introducing a Big Bash League game on Christmas Day by creating a working group to fast-track the concept.
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BBL chief Anthony Everard told SEN says the concept, which was also floated last year, was in its early stages.
"Last year there was a little of discussion around it, so we took the opportunity in the winter to get a group together in the office to consider all the different elements, the different perspectives," Everard said.
"I guess if we were to contemplate scheduling a game, what are the things we would need to take into account and what would make it a success?
"We're keen to hear the feedback to be honest, we are going to undertake some reasonably formal fan research during the season."
He said the "two obvious timeslots" would be a twilight fixture, or "maybe our traditional BBL slot around 7-7.30pm".
"Once we've got a little bit more information and we've got a bit more of a considered view on it we would reach out to the clubs and ask for expressions of interest, in many ways the same as we did for New Year's Eve … when the Adelaide Strikers put their hand up," he said.
Everard said the idea had generated debate and former cricketer Darren Berry said he did not like the idea.
"Christmas Day it's not sitting well in my guts … I'm not sure that I'm going to attend the game, but I tell you what I will do, I'll turn it on the TV," Berry told SEN.
"I don't like it (the idea) … for me Christmas Day is that one family day that you eat, sleep, fun, I don't want to go to the cricket on Christmas Day."
