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CEO Todd Greenberg loses sleep as MCG pitch hands Cricket Australia a massive loss

Soumyajit Dutta

Cricket Australia to suffer from huge loss [Source: @AddictorCricket/X]Cricket Australia to suffer from huge loss [Source: @AddictorCricket/X]

The fourth Test match of the Ashes series between Australia and England is almost at an end within two days after 20 wickets fell in the first day. Now, Cricket Australia faces mounting financial pressure as the Test match threatens their bottom line, courtesy of an extremely seam-friendly MCG pitch. 

Despite a record Boxing Day crowd of over 94,000, the first day at the MCG risks a massive loss, mirroring the AUD$5 million (US $3.3 million) deficit suffered after a two-day Test in Perth.

Cricket Australia CEO projects massive loss after MCG Test

CEO Todd Greenberg has directly linked match length to financial health, stating plainly that "short Tests are bad for business." Reflecting on the dramatic opening day, he admitted to having a sleepless night.

"I didn't sleep well last night, put it that way. It was an amazing day of Test cricket, so for that record number of people who were here, boy, they've had an experience. But our challenge is to make sure we can continue those experiences day after day. That's the challenge for all of us,” Greenberg said.

CEO blames MCG pitch: "Too favourable for seamers"

Greenberg confirmed that the volume of wickets was problematic. He called for a better balance between bat and ball. While noting that batters shared some blame, he conceded the pitch at the MCG had presented significant challenges, drawing criticism from commentators and experts for overly favouring seam bowlers.

"A simple phrase I'd use is short Tests are bad for business. I can't be much more blunt than that. So I would like to see a slightly broader balance between the bat and the ball. I thought yesterday slightly favoured the ball. The batters have some ownership in some of that, it's not all around the pitch, but we've got some challenges," Greenberg added.

This situation may prompt a shift in Cricket Australia's traditional stance on pitch curation. "Historically, we have taken a hands-off approach," Greenberg explained. The CEO stopped short of promising direct intervention with ground staff but emphasised the need for a "careful eye" on expectations.

The potential financial blow comes at a sensitive time for Cricket Australia, which has recently enacted internal cost-cutting measures. The organisation is now seeking private investment for the Big Bash League.