SYDNEY: Australia’s victory in the Perth Test has ended up costing Cricket Australia millions of dollars.
According to Australian media, the match wrapped up on just the second day after Travis Head’s blistering century, which prevented the Test from stretching into a third day. While the team celebrated a dominant win, the early finish created a financial setback for Cricket Australia.
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Officials, who were already dealing with financial pressure, were left disappointed as this became the first Ashes Test since 1921 to conclude within two days. Cricket Australia is now required to refund ticket buyers for the third and fourth days of the match.
Tickets for the fifth day are usually sold on the same day, but with the match ending so early, that revenue is also lost. Estimates suggest Cricket Australia faces a loss of around 2 million Australian dollars, while some media outlets claim the total deficit could be as high as 3 million dollars.
Broadcasters, according to reports, are expected to suffer the heaviest losses. England’s fan group, the Barmy Army, has also been left frustrated, with many now planning an early return home. More than 101,514 spectators attended the first two days, and the third day had been completely sold out.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg expressed concern in a recent programme, saying their first priority is their broadcast partners. He acknowledged the significant financial impact on the series and noted that sponsors and partners would also feel the effects.
It is worth mentioning that Cricket Australia had already incurred losses during last year’s blockbuster Australia–India series. In its annual meeting, the board reported a deficit of 11.3 million dollars.
