- 2nd T20I match between Australia and Pakistan is slated to take place in Hobart.
- Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan involves engagement.
- Cricket Australia will use T20 International scheduled for 26 January.
The second Twenty20 International match between Australia and Pakistan is slated to take place in Hobart on January 26 — commonly known as Australia Day — and has drawn criticism from all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner of Australia.
Gardner stated that for Indigenous Australians, Australia Day, also known as the commemoration of the first British fleet’s arrival in Sydney Harbor in 1788 and the start of European colonisation, is “a day of hurt and a day of loss.”
As part of Cricket Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan, which involves engagement with an Indigenous advisory group, the game, which will take place at Bellerive Oval in Hobart, was approved.
“As a proud Muruwari woman and reflecting on what Jan 26 means to me and my people it is a day of hurt and a day of mourning,” Gardner said on social media.
“My culture is something I hold close to my heart and something I’m always so proud to speak about whenever asked. I also am fortunate enough to play cricket for a living which is something I dreamt of as a kid.
“Unfortunately this year the Australian women’s cricket team has been scheduled to play a game on the 26th of Jan which certainly doesn’t sit well with me as an individual but also all the people I’m representing.”
The off-spinning all-rounder is one of four Indigenous cricketers who have represented Australia in Test matches, along with Faith Thomas, Jason Gillespie, and Scott Boland.
Gardner will still be available for the game in an effort to raise awareness of the significance of the day.
“My culture is something I hold close to my heart and something I’m always so proud to speak about whenever asked. When I take the field for this game I will certainly be reflecting and thinking about all of my ancestors and peoples’ lives who changed from this day,” she added.
Prior to the game, Australia will hold a smoking ritual and tour Kunanyi Mountain in the area to get to know the residents better.
While acknowledging that “January 26 is a day that has numerous meanings and provokes varied reactions in communities across our richly diversified nation,” Cricket Australia said.
“We respectfully acknowledge it is a challenging day for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and for some people, the day is regarded as a day of mourning.
“Cricket Australia understands and acknowledges Ash’s position and appreciates her leadership and the contributions of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the game of cricket. We will use the T20 International scheduled for 26 January as an opportunity to continue our ongoing education journey with First Nations people.”
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