2014 Allan Border Medal to be held in Sydney

For the first time in its 15-year history, Australian cricket's premier awards night, called the Allan Border Medal, will be held in Sydney, Cricket Australia (CA) said Wednesday.

The new-look event, run by CA and the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) and presented by Crown Lager, will be held Jan 20 at Doltone House - Hyde Park - the day after 3rd Carlton Mid One-Day International at the SCG.

The Nine Network will produce a one-hour package to be telecast on the night, while the entire awards ceremony will be streamed live on cricket.com.au.

The date and new event location have been chosen because it offers the best chance to recognise Australian cricket's players of the year in a busy period of international and BBL cricket, and before the men's Test squad leaves to prepare for its series against South Africa.

CA's chief executive James Sutherland said: "We've taken the best elements of previous Allan Border Medals, including the red carpet arrivals, Hall of Fame induction and crowning of Australia's men's and women's cricketers of the year, and given the event a new look this season."

"All of the traditional awards will be featured, including the presentation of the Allan Border Medal and Belinda Clark Award, to ensure we appropriately recognise Australia's best cricketers from the past 12 months."

ACA chief executive Paul Marsh said: "The date and venue for this year's AB Medal are the best fit for what's a busy international cricket schedule. There's an ODI in Sydney the day before, which presents an ideal opportunity to showcase the event there."