What is Boxing Day? Why is Boxing Day Test matches big deal? Here's all you need to know
Melbourne/Centurion: Cricket fans around the globe are reveling in the excitement of the Boxing Day Tests, a term familiar to many but often shrouded in mystery. Today, on the 26th of December 2023, two enthralling encounters are taking place as India faces off against South Africa at Centurion, while Pakistan locks horns with Australia in a compelling battle at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Mystery of Boxing Day:
While cricket enthusiasts are well-acquainted with the term "Boxing Day Test," the significance of this cricketing tradition is not always clear. Originating in the United Kingdom, Boxing Day, observed on December 26th, is a public holiday in several Commonwealth nations, including Australia and South Africa. The term itself has historical roots, believed to be linked to the tradition of giving boxes or gifts to servants and tradespeople on the day after Christmas as a token of appreciation for their year-round services.
The Dual Showdown: India vs. South Africa and Pakistan vs. Australia:
On this Boxing Day, cricket fans are treated to a double delight with two riveting Test matches unfolding simultaneously. India is battling South Africa at Centurion, where the cricketing titans are showcasing their skills in a contest that promises high stakes and intense competition.
Why Boxing Day Tests are a Big Deal:
The Boxing Day Test holds a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts for several reasons:
Tradition: The Boxing Day Test has a long-standing tradition in Australian cricket, dating back to 1950. It is an integral part of the cricketing calendar and has become a significant annual event for both players and fans.
Holiday Tradition: Boxing Day itself is a public holiday in Australia, and many people have the day off. The Test match provides an opportunity for families and cricket enthusiasts to come together, enjoy the game, and extend the holiday celebrations.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): The Boxing Day Test is traditionally held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), one of the most iconic and largest cricket stadiums in the world. The MCG has a capacity to host a massive crowd, and the atmosphere during the Boxing Day Test is often electric.
Global Audience: The Boxing Day Test typically attracts a global audience due to its historical significance and the quality of cricket played. Cricket fans around the world tune in to watch this particular Test match, making it a showcase event for Australian cricket.
Start of the Australian Summer: The Boxing Day Test marks the beginning of the Australian cricket summer. It sets the tone for the Test series and provides an opportunity for players to showcase their skills in the longer format of the game.
Historical Moments: Over the years, the Boxing Day Test has witnessed many memorable and historic moments in cricket. Iconic performances and records set during these matches contribute to the Test's prestige.
Festive Atmosphere: The holiday season and the festive atmosphere contribute to the popularity of the Boxing Day Test. It's not just about cricket; it's about the experience of being part of a special occasion during the holiday season.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Noida International Airport appoints Nitu Samra as interim CEO
New Delhi (PTI): Noida International Airport on Friday announced the appointment of its Chief Financial Officer Nitu Samra as the interim Chief Executive Officer after authorities denied permission for foreign national Christoph Schnellmann to be at the helm.
"This change follows directions issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) that the Chief Executive Officer of an airport in India is required to be an Indian national," NIA said in a statement.
Samra will replace Schnellmann, a Swiss national who has led Noida International Airport (NIA) as the CEO since August 2020.
The regulatory issue related to the requirement of having an Indian national as CEO has been delaying the start of commercial operations of the airport, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 28.
Schnellmann will join the airport's Board of Directors as Executive Vice Chairman. In this role, he will continue to support the project and its transition to operations, the statement said.
With immediate effect, NIA said Samra has been appointed as the CEO on an interim basis until the Board of Directors can conclude a formal selection process.
Samra has been serving as the CFO since October 2021 and was closely involved in the airport’s development journey, overseeing financial stewardship, governance, and strategic planning during a key phase of the project, the statement added.
NIA will be operated by Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL), a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, under a public-private partnership.
Originally scheduled to commence passenger services in September 2024, NIA is being developed in four phases, along with a dedicated cargo terminal. It received an aerodrome license from the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in March.
YIAPL Chairman Daniel Bircher said that since the inauguration of the airport by the Prime Minister, the goal was to enable the start of operations as early as possible.
"This management change brings the airport into compliance with Bureau of Civil Aviation Security requirements while maintaining continuity in the airport’s leadership team. The newly structured team will support a smooth transition into operations, guided by clear and transparent governance and a strong corporate culture," he said.
On March 28, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said commercial flight operations from the airport would start in the next 45 to 60 days.
Among the largest greenfield airport projects in the country, NIA will initially have a capacity to handle 12 million passengers per annum.
Once fully developed, the airport will have a total passenger handling capacity of 70 million.
The first phase of NIA has been developed at an investment of around Rs 11,200 crore. 'DXN' is the code for the airport.
The airport features a 3,900-metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, along with modern navigation systems, including Instrument Landing System (ILS) and advanced airfield lighting.
The peak handling capacity in the first phase will be 30 flights per hour.
In the first phase, there will be 28 aircraft stands, and the projected cargo capacity is around 2.5 lakh tonnes.
Terminal 1 of the airport is spread across 1,37,985 square metres with 48 check-in counters. Over 40 acres of land have been earmarked for developing MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facilities at the airport.
