Future of International Cricket in Queensland Secured
- The Crisafulli Government has stepped in to save the future of International Cricket in Queensland.
- Test cricket will return to the Gabba from 2027/28.
- Deal secured for Brisbane to host first Test after the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032/33.
- Construction on the new Brisbane Stadium will allow a seamless transition for Cricket and AFL after Brisbane 2032.
The Crisafulli Government has secured the future of Test Cricket in Queensland for another five years following the announcement of a 63,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park to be built for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Gabba will host its first ever Day/Night Ashes Test against England from December 4-8 this year but will miss out during the 2026/27 summer for the first time in 50 years due to a lack of certainty from the previous Labor Government about its future.
The 2032 Delivery Plan now provides the certainty Cricket Australia needs to keep the Gabba on the International Test series calendar for another five years from 2027/28 right through until 2031/32.
The Crisafulli Government has also secured a deal with Cricket Australia to bring back the first Test to Queensland in 2032/33 after the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
After the Games have finished, the Brisbane Heat, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Lions will transition to the Crisafulli Government's new Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park.
Premier David Crisafulli said the new Brisbane Stadium would deliver Queenslanders one of the world's best cricket grounds.
"Cricket is embedded in Queensland's DNA, and the decision to build a world-class stadium at Victoria Park ensures it has a future in this State," Premier Crisafulli said.
"Test cricket belongs in Queensland, and this decision means fans won't miss out on seeing some of the best cricket teams play Test Matches in Brisbane right through to the summer before Brisbane 2032 where we regain our title as host of the first test of the summer."
Minister for Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Gabba may be ageing but it had a few more good years left.
"The Gabba has done a mighty job for the past 130-years and holds a special place in the hearts of Queenslanders so it's fitting we give her a farewell at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Minister Mander.
"The new Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park will secure the future of cricket and AFL in our State, set us up to attract major sporting events, and inspire more young Queenslanders to chase their own sporting dreams."
Cricket Australia Chair Mike Baird AO said Cricket Australia was delighted the Queensland Government had seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create an enduring Olympic legacy that would give cricket fans in Queensland the stadium they deserve.
"Importantly, cricket now has the certainty needed to ensure Brisbane hosts the very best possible international and domestic matches and retains a prominent place on the Test match schedule," said Mr Baird.
"International cricket brings significant economic benefits for the people of Queensland and those benefits will be greatly enhanced by the construction of a world class 63,000 seat stadium in the heart of Brisbane.
"The Gabba will continue to continue to host outstanding matches in coming years including this summer's Day/Night Ashes Test before the new stadium at Victoria Park begins an exciting new chapter for Queensland and Australian cricket."
Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson congratulated the Queensland Government on its decision to invest in the state's future, with a world-class stadium that would be a centerpiece of Brisbane for 2032 and beyond.
"The Gabba has been a wonderful venue for cricket for many years and has provided fans and players with countless memories, however the challenges the stadium faces are well documented, and we need to look to the future," said Mr Svenson.
"Today's decision gives us certainty after many years without clarity. We now stand at the starting line as Queensland prepares to unveil a signature stadium at Victoria Park that will be known the world over."
