Cricket Australia Slams Gold Coast Sixes Marketing Campaign

A Gold Coast cricket competition using "bikini girls, racist jokes and sleazy references" to massage parlors to attract spectators has been slammed as a "throwback to the 1980s," according to Jack Harbour of the GOLD COAST BULLETIN. Cricket Australia said that it wants "a rethink" on the campaign featuring former Test player Mike Whitney "as its face." The Gold Coast Sixes -- a winner-takes-all A$100,000 ($71,400) cricket competition for the backyard cricketer -- released a promo video featuring Whitney "standing between two bikini models spruiking the event." He says in the video, "I’ll be here ... the girls will be here and we look forward to welcoming you." A number of "controversial Facebook messages have also been posted from the Gold Coast Sixes account." One says, "FREE BEER, Kebabs and Asian massage … what more can we do? ... Watch this space -- we are in talks with a massage parlour about setting up a tent for Thai Massage Happy Hours." A CA spokesperson said, "Cricket Australia has absolutely no involvement with this event, nor do we condone the way it has been promoted. We ... question the organizer’s decision to embark on such a campaign as it is so far removed from how we are trying to promote cricket as a family game that appeals equally to both genders. It really looks like a throwback to the 1980s." While the site "also carries branding from Gold Coast City Council" and claims it is supported by Gold Coast Tourism, "both quickly distanced themselves" on Sunday. Marketing expert and Bond University associate professor Stephen Holden said that the "sexist campaign was a stroke of genius" by organizers. Holden: "They’re taking the p***. They’re feminist baiting and it’s worked. None of the people they’re aiming at are going to be bothered" (GOLD COAST BULLETIN, 2/29).