Cricket Australia has unveiled the complete domestic cricket schedule for the 2025–26 season, setting the stage for one of the most packed and high-stakes summers in recent memory. The fixtures span the Sheffield Shield, Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL), One-Day Cup, and the T20 Spring Challenge, aligning with a blockbuster calendar of international cricket and the Big Bash League.
Sheffield Shield to shape Ashes selections
The Sheffield Shield will feature four rounds before the NRMA Insurance Ashes series kicks off in Perth on 21 November, providing selectors with a crucial window to assess Test hopefuls. Key matches include:
- South Australia vs. Victoria to open the season on October 4 at Adelaide Oval
- A day/night Shield round featuring Queensland vs. Victoria at the Gabba (Nov 22–25)
- The Shield final is scheduled for March 26–30, 2026
WNCL returns with early September start
The Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) begins on September 24, with defending champions New South Wales starting their campaign against Victoria at the CitiPower Centre on September 26. Each team will play a full schedule through March, culminating in the WNCL Final on March 21.
One-Day Cup launches men’s domestic season
The One-Day Cup kicks off the men’s domestic summer on September 16 with New South Wales hosting Tasmania at Cricket Central. Six matches will be played across nine days in Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide. The final is scheduled for February 28.
T20 Spring Challenge fuels build-up to WBBL
Set for a 10-day run in Sydney beginning October 21, the T20 Spring Challenge will serve as a high-energy lead-in to the Weber WBBL season. The competition will include all eight WBBL teams plus the ACT Meteors, with semi-finals on October 29 and the final on October 30 at Cricket Central.
Streaming and broadcast
Every ball of the domestic season will be streamed live via cricket.com.au, the Cricket Australia Live app, and Kayo Sports, ensuring fans have full access throughout the summer.
Statement from Peter Roach, CA Head of Cricket Operations
“Leading into perhaps Australia’s biggest ever summer of cricket, we are delighted to announce the schedule for our domestic competitions… the opportunities for players to perform and put their name forward has never been greater,” said Peter Roach.
“Last year we saw an epic end to our domestic summer with South Australia claiming an historic Shield title… while New South Wales and the Hobart Hurricanes will be looking to continue their success in WNCL and the T20 Spring Challenge respectively.”
Additional highlights
- Each state to host at least three home One-Day Cup matches
- Day/night Shield matches scheduled to replicate Test conditions
- Soft announcements for Prime Minister’s XI and Governor-General’s XI expected soon
View the full 2025–26 domestic fixture list here.
