The NSW Government has today raised the bat after confirmation from Cricket Australia that the New Year's Test will be held in Sydney for the next seven years.
Announcing the agreement with Cricket Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) today, the NSW Government is proud to support international men's and women's cricket matches in Sydney with 'Summer of Cricket in Sydney' marketing and partnership support to be delivered by Destination NSW.
The 'Summer of Cricket in Sydney' includes the following matches:
- The international men's New Year's Test Match, to be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground each year of the Term (New Year Test); and
- Any other women's international Test matches, men's and women's One Day International matches and/or T20 International matches scheduled by Cricket Australia to be staged in Sydney each year over the summer international cricket season.
The New Year's Test is an event steeped in tradition for local, regional and international cricket fans who make the journey to Sydney each year to attend the event in early January, before starting the year proper.
The New Year's Test has become more than just a cricket match, it's the home of the Pink Test, which plays host to Jane McGrath Day, an important fundraising fixture for the McGrath Foundation to deliver the breast cancer nurses across Australia.
The Pink Test has also provided families impacted by breast cancer with an opportunity to commemorate their loved ones.
The NSW Government's commitment to cricket is significant, investing over $95 million in cricket related programs over the past seven years.
This includes over $47.5 million for the new NSW Cricket Central facility located at Wilson Park, Sydney Olympic Park.
NSW Cricket Central is the home of Cricket NSW, with all its elite men's and women's cricket squads and junior player development and includes training wickets, ovals, indoor facilities, administration spaces and a cricket learning and community centre.
With India and England scheduled to tour Australia in 2024/25 and 2025/26 respectively, the landmark agreement with Cricket Australia will provide a significant boost to the NSW visitor economy, cementing Sydney as the nation's premier destination for major sporting events.
Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:
"We're pleased to announce the New Years Test is secure at the SCG for the next seven years, because let's be clear, it belongs in Sydney.
"It's a hallmark event on the state's calendar - from Steve Waugh's last over hundred, to watching Justin Langer, the late Shane Warne and our own local legend Glenn McGrath retire together at the Sydney test in 06/07, these are quintessential cricketing moments in Sydney.
"It is also the home of the 'pink test', an important event that raises awareness and funds to support breast cancer nurses and care for patients across Australia."
Minister for Tourism, John Graham said:
"Keeping the New Year's Test here is good for Sydney but, I tell you what, it's good for test cricket.
"This coming summer sees the renewal of one of international cricket's greatest rivalries between Australia and India."
Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said:
"The New Year's Test has become so much more than a match at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.
"The Pink Test and Jane McGrath Day has become an important event for so many. Locking in the Test for another seven years will allow this great tradition to grow and protect the important legacy of this fixture.
"We can now look forward to welcoming the Indian team this summer, which is guaranteed to deliver blockbuster entertainment on and off the pitch.
Nick Hockley, Chief Executive Officer, Cricket Australia said:
"We are delighted that the SCG will continue to host the historic NRMA Insurance New Year's Test for the next seven years.
"We are enormously grateful to the NSW Government whose support will help us to enhance this already iconic event, create brilliant experiences for fans and maximise economic outcomes for the state."
