Boxing Day: From Charity to Cricket and Football Fixtures

Boxing Day holds a special place in the sporting calendar, with major cricket and football matches taking place annually on December 26. The tradition, originating in the United Kingdom, has spread to several Commonwealth nations. Originally a day for employers and wealthy families to give gifts to employees and the less fortunate, Boxing Day has evolved into a significant occasion in both cricket and football.

Boxing Day in Cricket

Traditionally, Boxing Day cricket matches were between local teams, but in 1980, Cricket Australia made it mandatory to host a Boxing Day Test against a touring side in Melbourne. Other countries like South Africa, New Zealand, and England followed suit, adding global significance to the day. In 2024, Australia will face India in the Boxing Day Test, while South Africa will host Pakistan.

Boxing Day in Football

While many European football leagues take a break after Christmas, the English Premier League (EPL) continues with one of its most important matchdays on Boxing Day. This tradition began in 1860 when Sheffield and Hallam, two of the oldest clubs in the world, played a match on December 26. Boxing Day football truly took off in the 1888-89 season with a match between Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion. The EPL’s Boxing Day fixtures for 2024-25 include matches like Manchester City vs Everton, Chelsea vs Fulham, and Liverpool vs Leicester.

Other Sports on Boxing Day

Today, Boxing Day is not limited to cricket and football. Other sports like horse racing, rugby, and Mixed Martial Arts also feature prominently on December 26.

Why is it called Boxing Day?

The exact origin of the name “Boxing Day” is unclear, but it is believed to refer to the boxes used by churches to collect donations for the less fortunate or the tradition of giving gift boxes. The name has no connection to the sport of boxing.