Big Bash eyes festive fling: Jordan Silk keen for Christmas Day clash

As other sports leagues embrace the festive spirit, the Big Bash League (BBL) could soon join the party. Sydney Sixers batsman Jordan Silk is among those urging a bold move: a BBL fixture on Christmas Day.

“We’re ready for it,” Silk declared, inspired by the recent success of Christmas Day games in the NBL. “It’d be a perfect afternoon watch, after backyard cricket and a cold one.”

“After you’re done playing backyard cricket, you want to put your feet up, have a beer. It’d be a nice lead-in to the Boxing Day Test.

“The more we see other codes taking up Christmas Day games, it’ll only get spoken about more and more … I’m all for it.

He envisions it as a festive bridge between Christmas cheer and the Boxing Day Test, drawing inspiration from overseas leagues like the NFL and NBA. “The more we see other sports playing on Christmas, the more it becomes a natural fit,” Silk added.

While acknowledging he can’t speak for all players, Silk believes there’s a growing appetite for the idea. “Watching or playing live cricket on Christmas could be a cool new tradition,” he said.

The BBL may be cautious for now, with New Year’s Eve already claiming a festive slot in Adelaide. However, Silk’s enthusiasm reflects a wider conversation. With packed Boxing Day crowds in Perth this year, could a Christmas Day clash be the next step in the BBL’s evolution?

The Sydney Sixers, powered by their batting hero Jordan Silk, clash with archrivals Sydney Thunder at the SCG this Saturday in a match with potential playoff implications. Can Silk, who orchestrated a massive 125-run triumph in their last encounter, repeat his heroics and secure Sixers’ final home game of 2023?

Currently perched at third in the standings with three wins in four matches, the Sixers aim to close their SCG stint on a high before embarking on a crucial away run. The iconic venue will then shift gears to host the final Test between Australia and Pakistan, adding another layer of excitement to the upcoming clash.

Meanwhile, the Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes lock horns in a backyard battle today, both coming off a win to boost their top-four aspirations. An evenly matched contest promises fireworks as these teams vie for valuable points in the heated Big Bash race.