The fixtures for the upcoming Victorian Premier Cricket season have been officially released, marking the start of another season in the state’s cricketing calendar. The season will commence on the weekend of Saturday, October 5, 2024, with the opening matches in both the men’s and women’s competitions. The Women’s 1st XI One-Day Grand Final is […]
The fixtures for the upcoming Victorian Premier Cricket season have been officially released, marking the start of another season in the state's cricketing calendar.
The season will commence on the weekend of Saturday, October 5, 2024, with the opening matches in both the men's and women's competitions. The Women's 1st XI One-Day Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2025, while the Women's 1st XI T20 Grand Final will be held under lights on Thursday, January 24, 2025. The Men's 1st XI competition will span from Friday, March 28, to Sunday, March 30, 2025.
One of the season's highlights will be Melbourne hosting a women's 1st eleven match against Carlton and a men's 1st eleven match against St Kilda at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in November. These matches will allow Premier Cricketers to compete at one of the world's most recognised venues.
Reflecting on this, Liam Murphy, Cricket Victoria's General Manager of Premier Cricket and Community Cricket stated, "Playing at the MCG is a significant experience, and it's positive that our players will have this opportunity early in the season. It underscores the value of Premier Cricket in Victoria."
The 2024/25 fixture includes notable changes. An additional weekend of T20 triple-headers has been added to the Men's competition, ensuring that all clubs face each other at least once during the season. The underage programs have also expanded following their successful introduction last season. The Male Under 18 competition will feature 9 rounds on Sundays throughout the season, while the Female Under 18, Under 16 Dowling Shield, and Under 15 Marg Jennings Cup will play 7 matches during the January holiday period.
Murphy highlighted the importance of these developments for player growth, stating, "The expansion of underage competitions and the increased focus on T20 cricket are vital for offering players more opportunities to refine their skills and gain valuable match experience."
A notable event will take place on Saturday, January 11, 2025, when Richmond and Essendon travel to Gippsland for a One Day match at Bundalaguah Cricket Ground. On the same day, the Indigenous match between Northcote and St Kilda, competing for the Toom-Nangi, Ngaga Ngarnga, and Mundagat Cup, will be held at Bill Lawry Oval. As Victorian Premier Cricket continues to serve as a vital pathway for cricketers aspiring to state and national representation, the 2024/25 season is set to play a key role in player development.
Murphy concluded by saying, "Victorian Premier Cricket is integral to Cricket Victoria's player pathway, and we eagerly anticipate the contributions of all Premier Cricket players, clubs, umpires, and volunteers as we embark on what promises to be another strong season."
To view the full schedule, click here.
