Photo Credit: Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia (CA) is pleased to release the dates of some of the significant initiatives this season affirming Australian Cricket’s continued commitment to showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketing talent and providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to play cricket at all levels.
MCG ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER TRAINING CAMP
As part of the partnership between CA and the Melbourne Cricket Club Foundation, a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players selected from this year’s National Indigenous Cricket Championships will train and play at the MCG from October 30 to November 3.
The MCC Foundation is an Official Inclusion Partner of the NICC and the camp will include T20 matches between National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men’s and women’s squads and an MCC XI on the MCG on Wednesday, November 1 from 12.30pm.
The partnership with the MCC Foundation and the camp is part of CA’s commitment to increase the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and inspire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to love and play cricket.
Players selected for the camp are:
Men’s squad
Cruz Baker (QLD), Hayden Collins (WA), Max Farmer (NSW), Cody Hoffmeister (WA), Max Ireland (WA), Brandon Kopper (TAS), Brock Larance (WA), Josh Nanson (VIC), Kobe Ross (NSW), Lesley Smith (NSW), Blake Smith (NSW), Ben Spinks (TAS), Bailey Toseland (VIC), Jacob Turner (QLD).
Women’s squad
Grace Abdee (QLD), Callee Black (NSW), Kameryn Bray (QLD), Dharmini Chauhan (NSW), Christina Coulson (QLD), Rikki Garlett (WA), Lara Graham (NSW), Merinda Hale (VIC), Piper Hooke (NSW), Veronica Keen (WA), Destiny Mippy (WA), Aimee Ravot (NSW), Clodah Ryall (QLD), Charlotte Toohey (WA).
BIG BASH LEAGUES FIRST NATIONS MATCHES
The KFC Big Bash League, Weber Women’s Big Bash League and clubs will reaffirm their commitment to deepening meaningful connections with Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, through dedicated matches celebrating the First Nations and Traditional Owners of the land on which we live, work and play cricket.
WBBL First Nations matches will occur on various dates between November 5-24 (schedule below), with games played in venues nationwide and all clubs hosting at least one match. The BBL will also feature First Nations matches, with details to be confirmed closer to the start of BBL|13.
Throughout First Nations matches, the WBBL and clubs will showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and ceremony. Along with the barefoot circle, Welcome to Country and incorporation of local languages, immersive experiences for fans will be created through music and art.
Additionally, players will be dressed in uniforms designed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, each with their own unique stories connected to the traditional lands of each club.
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS CRICKET CHAMPIONSHIPS
The National Indigenous Cricket Championships will be contested in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) from February 22-27, 2024.
The NICC will again celebrate and showcase cricket’s connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and inspire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to play cricket at all levels.
The Championships have also become an important showcase for our best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers as they progress through the Australian Cricket pathways and provides opportunities such as selection to attend the MCG training camp.
Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia Chief Executive said:
“CA reaffirms its commitment to the ongoing journey of reconciliation and to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are included and represented in all aspects of cricket.
“Initiatives including the WBBL First Nations matches, the National Indigenous Cricket Championships and the MCG training camp are just some of the practical initiatives that will create ways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians to find common ground and connect through cricket.
“We are grateful to our partners the MCC Foundation, the NT Government, CommBank, Weber and KFC for their support in bringing these initiatives to life.”
KEY DATES
MCG Indigenous Training Camp: Naarm (Melbourne) Oct 30 – Nov 3
Weber WBBL First Nations Matches:
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Sunday November 5 | Perth Scorchers v Adelaide Strikers | Whadjuk Country (WACA Ground) |
| Friday November 10 | Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Stars | Cammeraygal Country (North Sydney Oval) |
| Friday November 10 | Sydney Sixers v Hobart Hurricanes | Cammeraygal Country (North Sydney Oval) |
| Friday November 17 | Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Renegades | Yugara Country (Allan Border Field) |
| Saturday November 18 | Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers | Wangal Country (Cricket Central) |
| Sunday November 19 | Melbourne Renegades v Hobart Hurricanes | Boon Wurrung Country (CitiPower Centre) |
| Sunday November 19 | Melbourne Stars v Brisbane Heat | Boon Wurrung Country (CitiPower Centre) |
| Thursday November 23 | Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades | Palawa Country (Blundstone Arena) |
| Friday November 24 | Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers | Kaurna Country (Adelaide Oval) |
National Indigenous Cricket Championships: Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Feb 22 – 27
