6 June 2023
The Territory Labor Government is bringing the best sporting games right here to the Territory.
The Northern Territory is one step closer to hosting the Australian Men's or Women's cricket team with installation of a drop in cricket pitch at TIO Stadium.
The pitch is being put in place ahead of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup qualifier between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea on June 18.
TIO Stadium is the only venue in the Territory accredited by the ICC to host senior international cricket, however the stadium has not had a drop-in wicket in place for over 15 years.
The Australian Cricket team last played in the Northern Territory at TIO Stadium in 2008 against Bangladesh.
The Territory Labor Government has invested $350,000 towards this project and other related infrastructure upgrades.
The NT Government is also supporting NT Cricket with $50,000 to contribute to hosting the ICC U19s World Cup Qualifiers, CDU Men's Strike League and CDU Men's Top End Series.
The ICC U19s World Cup Qualifiers are being supported through Northern Territory Major Events.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport Kate Worden
"Sport is part of the social fabric of the Northern Territory.
"Having international cricket return to TIO stadium is another major achievement as we look to solidify our role as a sporting destination.
"We are already hosting top level rugby league and AFL matches at TIO, it is wonderful to see us add international cricket back to our schedule.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Major Events Paul Kirby
"Hosting international Cricket in the Territory is another string to our bow, and adds another great sporting event to our events calendar.
"The versatility of TIO stadium, which has already hosted NRL and AFL matches this year, and will later this month host international Cricket, expands Darwin's major sports event offerings and continues to put us on the map as a major events destination."
Quotes attributable to NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey
"Cricket is Australia's national sport.
"Our sport loving community deserve the opportunity to watch Australia and the best cricket teams in the world play here in our own backyard. Today is a significant step toward making that happen.
"Cricket's global growth and popularity is phenomenal.
"The ability to host international cricket will provide opportunities to promote and market the Territory to an audience few sports can offer.
"We would like to thank the Minister for Sport, Minster for Events, the Northern Territory Government, and NT Major Events Company for their tremendous support with this project."
Northern Territory Government
