Cricket Australia is facing an unexpected financial setback after the first Ashes Test in Perth ended in two days, costing the board more than $3 million in ticket sales scheduled for three and four days. The match ended late on the second day, fueled by excellent performances – including a century from Travis Head – and England’s aggressive approach, leaving the governing body with significant revenue concerns.
The early finish meant thousands of fans who had bought tickets for the remaining days missed out, despite a record 101,514 attendances on the first two days – 51,531 on Friday and 49,983 on Saturday. Head called it an “amazing two days” but added: “Pity the people who can’t come tomorrow. I think it was a full house again,” he told the Seven Network after the game.
The financial impact goes well beyond ticket revenue. Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg acknowledged the broad implications, saying on SEN: “It’s difficult for a number of different groups. Our broadcasters first and foremost. Certainly us, ticket sales and our partners and sponsors. This series has a big economic impact.”
Under Cricket Australia’s refund policy, spectators who hold one-day tickets for days that are not played are entitled to a full refund. While this offers some relief to fans, it adds to the estimated multi-million loss from the shortened Test.
Ashes 1st Test, Day 2 Highlights | Scorecard
The setback comes soon after Cricket Australia reported an $11.3 million loss at its annual general meeting, a figure criticized by Cricket Victoria chairman Ross Hepburn. The loss came despite a summer that included five Test tours from India, underscoring the organisation’s wider revenue challenges.
Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird put the recent financial results into context, noting that the white-ball and Test match departments in different financial years influenced the numbers. “In a normal schedule you would have white-ball cricket as part of this tour, but that is being played in this financial year,” Baird said in October. “If they were in the same financial year, you would see a different position.
Despite the setback, Cricket Australia remains optimistic. “We’re in a position where it’s a significant increase, an improvement of over $20 million,” Baird said. “Hold on to your hats because next year we’re going to have a record year in cricket. You’re going to see the biggest attendance, the biggest viewership, the biggest sponsorship.”
Broadcast ratings provided a bright spot, with Foxtel reporting its most watched first day of the first test and the Seven Network also recording strong opening day viewing figures.
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
November 23, 2025
