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AAP
AAP
Sport
Shayne Hope

BBL rivals opposed to Christmas Day game

Perth Scorchers star Jason Behrendorff thinks most BBL players would oppose Christmas Day matches. (Rob Blakers/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Aaron Finch believes a BBL fixture on Christmas Day is inevitable but Perth Scorchers paceman Jason Behrendorff feels the majority of players remain opposed to such a move.

There are Christmas Eve and Boxing Day matches in this summer's schedule, though the BBL is still yet to follow the National Basketball League's lead by playing on December 25.

It is an annual point of contention and has reared its head again at a time when Cricket Australia is negotiating a new TV rights deal and pay agreement with players.

Australia T20 captain Finch this week predicted a Christmas Day fixture would "eventually" feature on the BBL schedule, potentially drawing a large TV audience.

Fellow international Behrendorff - a Western Australia player delegate for the Australian Cricketers Association - said there would be opposition from players.

"I'd love to just be able to spend that day with my family and enjoy the festivities of Christmas," Behrendorff said.

"It's really hard to speak for everyone, but I think that would be the general consensus at this stage.

"Through our players' association we have good discussions with (Cricket Australia) about when we can have input into structures and schedules and things like that.

"We certainly make sure that we voice our opinion because there's no point sitting silent and then complaining if something doesn't go your way."

Behrendorff's Scorchers take on the Melbourne Stars at Junction Oval on Friday, with both sides backing up against different opponents on Boxing Day.

Some players will travel to their home cities for Christmas Day before linking back up with their teams.

Stars batter Cartwright said Christmas Day should be a "no-go zone" in the BBL schedule.

"I don't have any kids or anything, so for me travelling back for Christmas isn't a huge deal," Cartwright said.

"I've spent the last three away from my family.

"But for people who have got young kids, when Santa comes around they want to be there for that.

"In that realm, I think one day a year is probably fair to request having it off."

Meanwhile, Cartwright backed big-hitting Stars teammate Marcus Stoinis to find form after starting the season with back-to-back ducks.

"I'd hate to poke the bear with big Stoin because we all know how motivated he is," Cartwright said.

"It's going to be phenomenal to see when he does break out and who's going to be on the wrong end of it."

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