MEDIA STATEMENT: Queensland on front foot with international cricket fixtures announced for 2025-26 season
Published Monday, 31 March, 2025 at 10:59 AM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew Powell
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Honourable Tim Mander
Queensland on front foot with international cricket fixtures announced for 2025-26 season
- Queensland will host a series of men’s and women’s international matches in Cairns, Mackay, the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
- India and South Africa to take on the Aussies in a sizzling season.
- Regional economies to benefit from boost in visitors as international and interstate fans join local supporters.
The Crisafulli Government has won the toss by supporting a series of international men’s and women’s cricket fixtures in the 2025/26 season.
India and South Africa will play a series of matches against both the Australian men’s and women’s teams, starting with a T20 match in Cairns in August – the first time an international cricket fixture has been played in the city since 2022.
These matches complement the men’s Ashes series already confirmed with old foe, England, to be played at The Gabba in Brisbane in December.
Regional centres feature prominently in the series, so that the economic benefits will be felt from Cairns to the Gold Coast.
Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena will host its first ever Australian men’s international – a perfect hit out ahead of plans to potentially host Olympic Cricket there in 2032.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the international series matches provided the perfect run up for tourism businesses over summer.
“We are thrilled that Queensland will host international cricket matches across four cities and five venues in the 2025-26 season,” Minister Powell said.
“Hosting teams from three nations, including India and South Africa, will provide thrilling entertainment for fans and significant economic benefits for our local communities.
“We're anticipating a big turnout from Queenslanders, interstate visitors and overseas fans for what will be another exciting season for Aussie cricket."
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympics and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the state was set for an unforgettable summer of cricket with Queensland regions at the centre of the action.
“These matches reinforce Queensland’s status as a premier destination for world-class sport with international matches set to be played in Brisbane, Mackay, Cairns, and the Gold Coast,” Minister Mander said.
“This is just the start of an exciting chapter for international cricket in Queensland with a deal secured to bring the first Test back to Brisbane after the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032-33.”
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer Todd Greenberg said he looked forward to bringing international cricket to fans across the country.
“Queensland will be at the heart of the international season with eight matches to be played in Brisbane, Cairns, Mackay and the Gold Coast, including the much-anticipated day/night NRMA Insurance Ashes Test Match at The Gabba," Mr Greenberg said.
"We are enormously grateful to the Queensland Government and our regional council partners for the strong support and are confident these matches will create brilliant experiences for Queenslanders and travelling fans bringing benefits for local economies and businesses."
Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson said he welcomed the move to bring more international cricket to the regions.
“Cricket being played across so many venues and cities this summer is massive and for Queensland, complements last week’s confirmation of a new Stadium in Brisbane for the 2032 Olympics, and Cricket Australia’s commitment to return the First Test to Brisbane to celebrate cricket moving to that venue," Mr Svenson said.
“Our local cricket communities will work hard to make the most of the matches in their cities as we look forward to delivering outstanding experiences for the teams and the fans.”
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Fiona Crawford 0417 700 363
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
2025-26 QUEENSLAND INTERNATIONAL CRICKET FIXTURES
Men’s T20I Series v South Africa
August 16: Cazalys Stadium, Cairns
Men’s ODI Series v South Africa
August 19: Cazalys Stadium, Cairns
August 22: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
August 24: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
Men’s T20I Series v India
November 6: Gold Coast Stadium, Gold Coast
November 8: The Gabba, Brisbane
NRMA Insurance Men’s Ashes
4-8 December: Day-Night Test, The Gabba, Brisbane
Women’s ODI Series v India
February 24: Allan Border Field, Brisbane