The Northern Territory aims to end a 16-year absence of international cricket in Darwin by targeting Australia’s white-ball series against South Africa next winter. Darwin last hosted international cricket in 2008 with ODIs, and previously saw Tests from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in 2003 and 2004.
Since then, the ICC-accredited TIO Stadium has added two drop-in wickets, and the Top End T20 series has launched as part of Cricket 365’s year-round program. Last week’s Top End series featured teams from the Big Bash League, Tasmania, the ACT, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, drawing ten past or present Test players.
NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey is keen to secure some of Australia’s scheduled ODIs and T20Is against South Africa next August. He is working with the NT government and Cricket Australia to bring international matches to Darwin. Dovey believes that consistent international fixtures are essential for developing local cricket talent and building a strong cricket culture in the region.
Dovey also plans to expand the Top End series to include up to 12 teams, aiming to attract more Big Bash franchises and international sides. This year’s nine-team, 30-match tournament saw nearly 700,000 views on YouTube, with last year’s total reaching 10.6 million when including international broadcasters. He hopes to include teams from New Zealand, Nepal, and possibly IPL franchises in the future, leveraging the unique August window for cricket in Darwin.
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