India Brings Record Crowds and New Era for Australian Cricket

Cricket Australia (CA) officials are aiming for a massive 90,000-strong crowd at the MCG on Boxing Day, marking only the second time in history a Test match has reached that milestone. The Australia-India series, which kicks off in Perth on Friday, is a transformative moment for Australian cricket, elevating India to the same level as England as the sport’s most significant rival and partner.  

This five-Test series, the first between the two nations since 1991-92, signals a shift in Australia’s cricketing landscape.

With India becoming a regular fixture in the Australian summer, CA CEO Nick Hockley emphasised the importance of the partnership: “We’re proud and excited to have the Border-Gavaskar series on equal billing with the Ashes.”  

The financial and cultural impact of India’s growing cricketing dominance is clear. India-Australia contests draw massive global audiences and significant revenue, with fans travelling from as far as the US, Canada, and Europe. “In terms of pure economics, an Indian tour is very significant,” said Hockley.  

The MCG’s largest cricket crowd remains the 93,013 fans who watched the 2015 World Cup final, but CA expects the Boxing Day Test against India to draw a similarly historic turnout. Day-one tickets for Tests in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney are already nearing sell-out status.  

The appeal of this rivalry is boosted by India’s improved competitiveness. Rakesh Patel, founder of the Bharat Army fan group, highlighted how India’s performance has energised its diaspora and middle-class fans: “There’s a chance of winning now, and people are spending more on cricket experiences.”  

For CA, the India series represents a financial lifeline after pandemic-hit seasons slashed revenue. With new broadcast deals worth over $265 million annually, including a $50 million deal with Disney Star, CA is optimistic about recovery.

Hockley also acknowledged India’s crucial role in the sport’s inclusion in the Olympics: “Cricket owes a lot to India’s global appeal.”  

However, the focus on India and England comes at the expense of matches against other nations, with scheduling challenges ahead. By 2027, Australia’s men’s and women’s teams will both play in India during the local peak season, signalling a new era of cricket’s global integration.