Australian media have reported that Cricket Australia could face an estimated financial loss of up to $10 million after the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) concluded on the second day, three days ahead of schedule.
According to reports, ticket sales for the third and fourth days of the Test were expected to generate approximately $10 million in revenue.
However, with the match ending on Day Two, Cricket Australia will be required to issue refunds to more than 90,000 spectators who had purchased tickets for the third day.
Several fans had also bought tickets for the fourth day.
Australian media said that ticket holders will receive automatic refunds under the existing ticketing policy, without the need for any manual claims.
Reports further revealed that an attendance of around 90,000 spectators had been expected on the third day of the Boxing Day Test, underlining the scale of the financial setback for the host board.
The loss follows a similar incident earlier in the series, when the Perth Test ended within two days, resulting in a reported $4 million loss for the hosting board.
Despite the shortened match, the MCG Test recorded remarkable crowd figures.
England secured a four-wicket victory on the second day, while the opening day saw a record-breaking attendance of 94,199 spectators.
On the second day, 92,045 fans were present at the iconic venue.
