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."
