Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland says the growth of the Big Bash League would make expansion a 'mere formality', and could also lead to cricket on Christmas Day.

Speaking to Grandstand before day two at the MCG, Sutherland said the success of Twenty20 cricket was pleasing.

"We're delighted with the continued progression of the BBL, and indeed the Women's Big Bash League as well, it got off to a great start a couple of weekends ago, and hopefully we'll continue to see great crowds for that," Sutherland said.

"We're really conscious of the way the Big Bash League has initially been designed and continues to be, bringing new people to the game, designed to complement, not compromise international cricket."

Asked about expressions of interest over the possibility of expansion BBL teams, Sutherland replied:

"We like the fact that people are very keen to have their own team and we've got interest from all different parts of the country; Gold Coast, Canberra, Geelong, Fremantle.

"I think our inclination is first we'll probably expand the number of games before we expand the number of teams. But at the same time we do think it's a mere formality at this stage that we will expand the competition.

"Other sports and other codes do that. We don't feel the need to do that for the same strategic reasons as they do or have done, but at the same time we'll carefully think that through and make sure we get it right."

Asked if fans would be able to turn on the television on Christmas Day next year and watch the Big Bash, Sutherland replied:

"I'm not sure we'll be ready for it then. (But) the more I think about it ... then you see the next day the NBA and the audiences they get ... I think the growing sentiment is that that's a possibility.

"We'd need to think about the right venue for it, and we also need to consult widely.

The WBBL is into its second season, and is on the up. ( AAP: Brendan Esposito )

"We understand that it's not just a narrow minded cricket decision. There's a lot more to it than that. And we'll think that through.

"But I think it is an opportunity and it would be a good thing for the game and for cricket fans around the country."

Sutherland said he did not believe the idea of travelling or playing on Christmas Day would be a bar to the idea of a Big Bash match, given the nature of modern professional cricket.

"I think it's also part of the job. The Australian cricket team come in a few days before Christmas and they're here. I know in Women's Big Bash League, our daughter, she was on a lunchtime flight to Sydney Christmas Day," he said.

No communications breakdown with players, says Sutherland

Sutherland denied that communications had broken down between CA and the Australian Cricketers Association over a new memorandum of understanding.

CA had released a statement a week before Christmas saying talks with the ACA would not be held as intended.

"I don't see it that way (as a breakdown)," Sutherland said.

"It was probably an opportune time, the right time, just to take a little bit of a deep breath with a couple of issues circulating, and to be honest we haven't properly got into discussions or negotiations.

"It was really just some formalities at the start in terms of putting each other's perspectives or proposals on the table.

"We haven't gone into any detail with that, I think it's a long haul in terms of detail we need to go through, but I think the facts of the matter are that both organisations have a lot more in common than they have not, and from that perspective it's all in the interest of the game, ensuring the game's better."

When pressed, the chief executive said the intention was to begin talking in the New Year.

"It was sort of unfortunate that it came to what it did, there were certainly some meetings that were intended to be held before Christmas but we just put that on hold.

"Perhaps it was becoming a little bit of a distraction from what the main game is right now and that's the Boxing Day Test match and the New Year's Test match and I think put that aside and we'll commence discussions in January and get on with the business."