Boxing Day holds significant importance in the sporting realm, particularly in Commonwealth countries. Each year, matches played or commencing on the 26th of December are referred to as "Boxing Day" matches. (IND Vs RSA Blog | More Sports News)
It marks the inaugural match of the festive season, which spans from Christmas to New Year. During this period of holidays, sports often take center stage in leisure activities. Boxing Day is deeply ingrained in Western culture and is particularly esteemed in England and other Commonwealth nations.
Historically, Boxing Day was officially recognized as a holiday in the West in 1871. It traditionally involved employers presenting gifts to their employees, a gesture aimed at honouring those who worked during the holidays.
Even in contemporary times, a myriad of charitable activities and shopping for family and friends typically commence on December 26. Nevertheless, the term is now predominantly associated with sports in today's context.
In cricket, Boxing Day Test matches are very famous. Australia play Test cricket match at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on this day, whereas in South Africa, The Wanderers used to host Test matches but for some years, Centurion has been hosting the Boxing Day fixtures. Live streaming details of the match are available.
ALSO READ: Manvinder Bisla - Exclusive Interview
India will kick-start their Test series campaign against South Africa with a Boxing Day fixture in Centurion on 26th December. Australia will take on Pakistan for the 2nd match of the Test series in a Boxing Day fixture at MCG. Live streaming details of the match are available.
Below are the list of some of the Boxing Day fixtures for the year 2023
(Football) English Premier League 2023-24
Newcastle v Nottingham Forest (26 Dec, 6:00 PM IST)
AFC Bournemouth v Fulham (26 Dec, 8:30 PM IST)
Sheffield United v Luton Town (26 Dec, 8:30 PM IST)
Burnley v Liverpool (26 Dec, 11:00 PM IST)
Manchester United v Aston Villa (27 Dec, 1:30 AM IST)
Below are the live-streaming details of the EPL 2023-24 fixture on Boxing Day
Which TV channels will broadcast the Boxing Day fixtures of the English Premier League 2023-24?
The Boxing Day fixtures of the English Premier League 2023-24 will be televised on Star Sports Select channels in India.
How to live stream the Boxing Day fixtures of the English Premier League 2023-24?
The Boxing Day fixtures of the English Premier League 2023-24 will be streamed live on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website in India.
Elsewhere...
UK – Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Amazon Prime Video
US – NBC, USA Network, Peacock
Nigeria – DSTV, Gotv, Star Times, Kwese TV