Why no national anthems before a cricket match?

Question

I've been watching cricket for ages now. But I've been wondering why the national anthems are not played prior to the start of a ODI match or test match.

All other international team sports have this ritual, but not cricket. I think it would be a good idea to introduce it to the game.

But a possible reason maybe that because matches are played in a series (ie. more than one match) it will get a little too repetitive and boring.
On the other hand some sports like international rugby or basketball many matches are played in a short space of time, like the tri-nations rugby or the basketball world cup - and it doesnt get boring at all!!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

A lot of the bigger matches do.  Australia day Test had both played prior.

CUB finals do to.

the TV doesn't always show it though.

Eater E · Answer

They do! Usually in the big matches...games played on Australia Day, or India's Republic Day usually play the anthem...and the big games of the world cup (definitely in the final)...
it's more common to play the national anthem in football games coz international football games are so much more rare than international cricket games...

Anonymous · Answer

Well obviously you did not tune into watch the 4 test between Aussies and India..It was sung every match,aussie anthem by an Aussie and indian anthem by an Indian...

cossy · Answer

if you were watching you may have seen the indian and australian national anthems played at the start of the last 4 tests

edit   why the thumbs down i was only stating that the anthems were played at the begining of the last 4 tests

Showstopper is Back! · Answer

Because some people might sing other things (like **** etc) while the opposition's anthem is being sung. How would THAT affect the sportsmanship of the game???

Quandary · Answer

Yeah they do play them a lot ... but Channel 9 always prefers to show idiots like Slater talking instead.

I agree there should be a standard protocol

KeplJoey · Answer

It only happens in Australia except in really big occasions.

shark · Answer

i don`t know but now chack de India will be singing.

KUSH SHARMA · Answer

now days those are being sung .

Anonymous · Answer

just go through yahoo.

Why no national anthems before a cricket match?

10 Answers