Cricket Australia has announced that it will acknowledge victims, their families & friends and the Jewish community before every match at home after two armed men launched a fatal attack targeted at the Jewish community at Sydney’s Bondi Beach to kill and injure several people on Sunday, December 14.
The Bondi attack was one of the most heart-wrenching events involving open mass shooting which occurred in Australia in the last three decades, accounting for sixteen reported deaths so far. CA, while combining their efforts with the participating franchises, have listed down the gestures, which will be followed ahead and during matches for the remainder of the season.
According to an official press release by Cricket Australia, this acknowledgement will include:
- Players, support staff and match officials standing side by side to remember victims, acknowledge those impacted and reflect
- Tributes read by the Ground Announcer and on big screen
- A moment’s silence
Throughout the match, the players and match officials involved will be seen carrying black armbands, whereas, the flags will fly at half-mast. Furthermore, there will be no fireworks, the board and BBL organizers have confirmed.
Australian Test players Pat Cummins and Usman Khawaja, who are currently representing the squad for the 2025/26 Ashes, were amongst the first to comment on the tragic attack.
“My heart goes out to the victims, their families, the people of Bondi and our Jewish community during this time. If you can, please book an appointment to donate blood,” wrote Cummins in an Instagram post.
“Up before the break of dawn and praying for the Jewish and Bondi community as a whole. No room whatsoever for these hate crimes. Lives lost senselessly, families shattered, the Bondi community traumatised. There are no words – only heartbreak,” noted Khawaja.
Speaking of the ongoing BBL season, it got underway on December 14 with Perth Scorchers taking on Sydney Sixers at the Perth Stadium. The Scorchers emerged victorious by five wickets with as many deliveries to spare. Cooper Connolly was adjudged as the Player of the Match with a 31-ball 59-run knock which comprised three fours and five sixes.
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