Darwin is on the verge of hosting international cricket for the first time in 17 years, with Cricket Australia Pencing in two T20s against South Africa for August.
Authorities are expected to announce dates for the winter chain at the end of this month, set to tour three T20i and several ODIs with South Africa. It is understood that Darwin is to host the Tental Plan Opening to T20I, before the T20I and ODI are played in Cairns and the last two Odis are held in McKay.
Local authorities hope that matches may be closed.
“I am clear from the moment in 2023 when we are inspired to bring international cricket back to the northern region,” told AAP, CEO of NT Cricket. “The last time we hosted international cricket, it was 2008 and it is very long.
“The game has changed a lot since then. Just look at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy recently or its return to the Olympics in LA 2028 for example of its power and scale.”
The first men played in the northern region will also mark the T20I, with 107 played in Australia till date. Since that time, Darwin had last hosted an international, in all formats, 536 men and women's fixtures have been played at 27 different places in Australia.
Darwin has taken significant steps in late winter window in recent years, with many BBL franchisees and the top end T20 league growth to include franchisees and foreign sides. The August window has the ability to be more attractive to international cricket in the coming years, with a two-testing series against Bangladesh in the period 2026.
The north of Queensland will be expected to host at least one of those tests, but Darwin can loom as an alternative to another. White ball cricket in the window during future cycles can also help in dropping summer, and no struggle with BBL.
“We have an incredible winter cricket window that provides huge benefits for both Australian cricket and the northern region,” said Dowe. “We know that Cricket is interested in taking advantage of Australia.
“We also know that the NT government sees the economic value as a global sport such as a cricket offer, as well as the positive impact of international cricket superstar to inspire the community here. Hopefully we can do so. It will be surprising to think that we can start international cricket heat here in Darwin.”
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