The "crowded cricket calendar is a key element of the bitter pay dispute" between Cricket Australia and the players and is now a "debating point" between former and current PMs, according to Peter Lalor of THE AUSTRALIAN. A "confidential submission" from the Australian Cricketers' Association highlights the "proliferation of games, particularly T20, claiming there is a danger of burnout for players and fans." Former Australian Council of Trade Unions leader and PM Bob Hawke backed the ACA’s stance with revelations on the second day of the Test that "three formats and relentless scheduling had diminished his love of the game." Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull "is not a renowned sports fan, but displayed his populist credentials by claiming a love of the Big Bash League" and a belief that the people "vote with their feet." He said, "It's for the people to decide, isn't it? In T20, if people are coming in big numbers, and they are, that's good. Ultimately it's up to the public. If the support is there then why not more cricket?" Hawke complained that cricket was "losing its meaning." He said, "There's too much cricket. I’ve always been in favor of players getting well paid. No one is more in favor of players getting well paid than me but I think money has taken over the game to a large extent." Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland defended the BBL. He said, "The great thing at the moment is we're seeing crowds all over the country" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 1/6).
